places to visit when in california

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23 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California

From the mountaintops to the lowest point in North America, these are the best places to visit in California.

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California has a reputation for being a surfer's paradise . And sure, its sandy beaches are something to marvel at and indeed a must-see on any visit. But as the third largest state in the nation, it’s so much more . From mountains to deserts to wine towns and the Mouse House, here are 23 most beautiful places to visit in California. 

Palm Springs

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Those seeking a chic, mid-century modern getaway should consider Palm Springs . The average high never falls below 69 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning no matter when you visit, you’ll get to enjoy some fun in the sun. Book a few nights at The Good House , a bungalow-style hotel that sits on its own natural hot springs, which will leave you feeling renewed. 

Joshua Tree

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Not far from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree offers more desert fun. However, you’ll want to trade in your poolside outfit for hiking gear. Explore the massive Joshua Tree National Park, then check out the plentiful vintage shops in downtown Joshua Tree to hunt for treasures. Stay a few nights at AutoCamp Joshua Tree for a glamping stay unlike any other.

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It’s time to head to California’s wine country . And no, we aren’t talking about Napa. Head to the southern part of the state’s wine region, Temecula . Located in southwestern Riverside County, this destination is home to gorgeous vineyards growing some 50 varietals of wine, from cabernet sauvignon to chardonnay. Enjoy a boutique stay at The New Inn , which comes with just five stunning villas for ultimate privacy.  

Santa Monica Pier

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The entire city of Santa Monica is worth a visit, but don't miss the iconic Santa Monica Pier while there. The 1,600-foot pier comes with a little amusement park featuring a roller coaster so you can get a bird’s-eye view of the beach below before taking a short, belly-flipping drop back down. Then, rest your head at the Shore Hotel , which provides views of the pier, too.

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For a dose of Southern California cool, head to Long Beach. As the name implies, the seaside community comes with plenty of beach frontage, but it also boasts its fair share of culture. That includes the RMS Queen Mary , docked at Queensway Bay; colorful pieces at the Museum of Latin American Art; and more than a few fish swimming at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Stay at The Cove Hotel , which is within walking distance of all the city’s best attractions.

Mammoth Lakes

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You'll want to trade your surfboard for a snowboard with a visit to Mammoth . The beloved ski resort is home to some of the best powder in the world, as well as one of the longest ski seasons in the nation. Don’t feel intimidated if you’re a newbie, as the mountain has a robust ski school available. Stay at the Sierra Nevada Resort , a revamped classic that’s equal parts rustic and charming, making for an ideal mountain getaway.

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Gulp in a breath of fresh air during a visit to Lake Tahoe . This lake destination, tucked in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddles the neighboring state of Nevada as well. It’s an all-season delight, with skiing in the winter , wildflowers in spring, warm days by the shore in summer, and fall foliage to round it out. Book a room at Edgewood for a luxurious stay with lakeside views to boot.

Santa Barbara

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Santa Barbara deserves a spot high on any must-see list of California. Its gorgeous beaches, quaint shops, stunning street art, and plenty of delicious seafood restaurants make it a place worth experiencing for more than a long weekend. Book a stay at the divine San Ysidro Ranch , a 500-acre private enclave tailor-made for total relaxation. 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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Take in the endless vistas at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park . Visitors here may find super blooms in the spring, but don’t skip over this destination in the summer, fall, or winter, either. The state park is a stellar place for hiking, admiring avant-garde art at Galleta Meadows, and even pitching a tent just about anywhere with a bit of backcountry camping.

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Looking for awe-inspiring views? Take a drive up Highway 1 to Big Sur . The cliffside community overlooks some of the most jaw-dropping coastline in the state, and it's home to some hiking trails worth exploring, too. Sleep at the Post Ranch Inn , which provides those epic ocean views out of every window.

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Sneak in a little magic by paying a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth:  Disneyland . Choose between visiting either one of its two parks, or snag a Park Hopper pass to see both in one go. Then, spend your nights at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa , where you can view the park right out your window. 

Yosemite National Park

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Feel inspired by Mother Nature at every turn with a visit to Yosemite National Park . Here, you can gaze upon the breathtaking views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome while hiking to lookout points or taking a slow drive with the windows rolled down. Stay inside the park and camp at Curry Village , home to 14 tented cabins that sit under centuries-old trees.

Channel Islands

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Hop a boat to the Channel Islands , an archipelago that remains wild and free. Explore the eight islands, which are home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, by hopping from one to another or scuba diving off the coast. Again, it’s another perfect spot to pitch a tent, so you never have to leave the great outdoors. 

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Looking to paddle out with the best surfers in California? Then, it’s time to head to San Diego , the place to be for a surf lesson (or two) and lounge session on the warm, sandy shore. But the city also has plenty more to explore, from fantastic breweries to the world-class San Diego Zoo. Book a stay at Pendry San Diego , which features a rooftop pool so you can take a dip and enjoy the city skyline all in one.

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For more wine-centric fun, head to the small town of Healdsburg, where you’ll find plenty of wineries happy to pour you their best glass. Guests here can also live like a local by shopping, dining, and strolling through the Plaza, exploring the downtown area, or taking a hike through the pristine landscapes. Book a night or more at the Montage Healdsburg , which comes with so many luxuries, you may never want to leave.

San Francisco

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Get an urban escape in San Francisco . The NorCal city is home to plenty of delicious dining venues and shopping galore on Haight Street. While here, take some time to explore the outdoor spaces too, like The Presidio and Golden Gate Park, both of which offer fantastic views. Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco , beloved by Travel + Leisure readers, as it was voted the best hotel in the city in our 2022 World’s Best Awards.

Death Valley

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Don’t let the name Death Valley fool you. Death Valley National Park is a place teeming with life — if you know where to look. Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and check out the endless salt flats, which happen to be home to an endemic snail only found here. It's also worth exploring Salt Creek, home to another endemic species — the pupfish, which have evolved to live in the salinated waters. Then, snag a room at the historic Inn at Death Valley , a recently revamped desert oasis that will cater to your every whim. 

Big Bear Lake

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Find smaller mountain magic at Big Bear Lake . In the winters, the community becomes a snow-filled heaven, much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders in Los Angeles, who can get there in under a three-hour drive. Come summer, Big Bear transforms into lakeside bliss, so no need to pick one or the other, as every season here is perfect. Book a stay at Noble + Proper , a gorgeous, high-design hotel.

Santa Catalina Island

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Grab a boat to Santa Catalina Island , where you can hop on a bike (we recommend an e-bike to help battle the massive hills) and pedal for as far as your legs will take you around the jagged coast. Stop in for a bite, a drink, or an ice cream in the city of Avalon, or head inland for a tour of the island’s wild buffalo herd. Lay your head at the Hotel Atwater , a more than 100-year-old gem in Avalon. 

Redwood National Park

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Located in the northern part of the state, Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world — some so large, you have to drive through them to get by. Again, it’s best to stay in the park, which is entirely possible, thanks to the delightfully charming little abodes at Elk Meadow Cabins . 

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Even though Hollywood is actually a relatively small neighborhood in Los Angeles, its larger-than-life reputation makes it a star. Come see the famed Hollywood sign , honor your favorite celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and tour icons like the TCL Chinese Theatre. Stay at ​ The West Hollywood Edition , a sleek property located in the center of the action.

Laguna Beach

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See one more surf mecca by visiting the Southern California gem of Laguna Beach. This coastal town is bursting with artistic talent, which you can check out in its numerous galleries or by taking a self-guided tour to admire its impressive outdoor public art. Like San Diego, it, too, is a great place for a surf lesson. Or, you can always just hang on your board long enough to watch a pod of dolphins swim by. Spend the night at the Surf & Sand Resort and leave the windows open all night to snooze to the sound of the crashing waves outside. 

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The charming community of Solvang is well-known for its Danish-style architecture that will make you feel like you've been transported to Europe. Here, visitors can indulge in more of California’s wine culture, too. Book a stay right in town at the Mirabelle Inn , home to First & Oak, a Michelin Plate-designated restaurant. 

Related Articles

55 Fun & Best Things to do in California [2024 Bucket List]

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL:DR: As someone who grew up in California and has spent 28 years here, some of the best things to do in California include the following:

• As must-see top tourist destinations, you can’t miss visiting Disneyland, the Hollywood Sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, the redwoods, and Napa Valley wineries.
• For free activities in California, check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stroll along the Venice Canals, take in the views at Griffith Observatory, and explore Balboa Park or Golden Gate Park.
• To experience the local side of California, eat lots of Mexican food, try the secret menu at In-N-Out Burger, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, see the elephant seals, and spend time on the beautiful beaches.
• To embrace the diverse history and cultures of California, explore San Francisco’s Chinatown, LA’s Little Tokyo, and other cultural neighborhoods in the big cities, visit literary landmarks like Jack London State Park, and tour some of the historic Spanish missions.

Although there are a lot of stereotypes about California (and Californians), you really can’t put the people or the landscape into a box – it’s much too varied.

There is SO much more to discover here than just famous people, sunshine, Hollywood, and Disneyland. 

I hope you’ll get to experience both the local aspects and tourist attractions around California through these recommendations. 

These are my favorite must-have experiences and the best things to do in California, as someone who has spent 80% of her life living in three different regions of the Golden State.

Let’s start with the most popular things to do in California that everyone should do at least once to fully embrace everything the Golden State has to offer.  

If you’re wondering what to do in California, these are the top California sights and experiences you absolutely can’t miss in the state. 

Get Your FREE California Travel Planner + printable checklists for 101 things to do in California!

Table of Contents

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

Highway 1, also called the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), is well known as one of the most scenic routes in the world.

Officially starting from Leggett in Northern California and stretching down to Dana Point in Orange County, the Pacific Coast Highway takes 15-20 hours to complete without stops or much traffic.

But believe me, the trip is worth it. Along the way, you’ll experience stunning coastal views, seaside towns, hushed redwood forests, and more. 

Read my full guide on how to plan the perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip . Plus, where to stay and where to eat on the way . 

Disneyland & California Adventure

One of those very fun things to do in California that’s on every first-timer’s bucket list – experiencing Disneyland and California Adventure is a must if you’re visiting California. 

Whether you excitedly jog from ride to ride, grab a treat from a themed land, or watch the fireworks show at night, you’ll want your day to last forever (especially if you know how to use the FastPass correctly).

If you only have time to visit one, definitely head to Disneyland. It’s a classic and worth a visit if you’ve never been. However, if you can fit in both parks over a couple of days, do it! 

Read my full guide to the best things to do in Orange County .  

Hollywood Walk of Fame – Los Angeles

Posing with a sidewalk star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame is practically a rite of passage for a California vacation. It’s also one of LA’s most beloved free attractions and one of the most popular things to do in California!

The world’s most famous sidewalk boasts 2,500 stars (and counting) and is one of the first places to visit if you’re new to LA and want to soak up the most popular sights. 

If you are looking for a particular star, there’s an online tool available called “Star Searcher” .

Recommended Experience: Hollywood Behind the Scenes Walking Tour

Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles

Universal Studios Hollywood is part amusement park part studio tour, with plenty of attractions to keep the whole family entertained for a day. 

Take a tour of some of Hollywood’s most popular movie and TV sets, ride Revenge of the Mummy and the Jurassic World ride, and head over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a pint of butterbeer. 

After you’re done with the rides, shows, and tours at Universal Studios, grab dinner and go shopping at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. 

You can grab your tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood ahead of time here.  

Urban Light & LACMA – Los Angeles

This Insta-worthy art installation is one of the hallmarks of the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art (LACMA) .

Besides Urban Light and Levitated Mass (be prepared to feel very, very small), LACMA is home to some incredible exhibits such as Miracle Mile by Robert Irwin.

Santa Monica

People flock to Santa Monica in droves for a chance to show off their swimsuit bods and take in its sandy beach and the historic Santa Monica Pier.

After shopping at 3rd Street Promenade and riding bikes along the beach, head to the Santa Monica Pier to explore Pacific Park, full of carnival games and rides.

It’s the perfect spot from which to watch the sun go down over one of the most iconic spots in California. 

Hollywood Sign & Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles

Perched on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory is an astronomer’s dream with its own planetarium, the Tesla Coil, and public telescopes.

As if those weren’t enough, from the Griffith Observatory, visitors are treated to free admission, stunning Greek-inspired architecture, and world-class views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Pacific Ocean. 

In the distance and a short hike away from Griffith Observatory, you can make out another iconic Los Angeles landmark in the distance, the Hollywood Sign. 

Venice Canals – Los Angeles

A taste of Italy can be found near Venice Beach at the Venice Canals. This picturesque residential district has been a unique attraction in Los Angeles since 1905.

It’s a fun place to simply walk around and admire the man-made canals and postcard-worthy views. 

Sprinkles Cupcake ATM – Los Angeles

Ever since Sprinkles Cupcakes first launched in Los Angeles, this dessert chain has amassed a cult following that can’t get enough of their mouth-watering treats.

Get your fix of delicious frosting and cake from the pink Sprinkles ATM in Beverly Hills to see what all the fuss is about (you won’t be disappointed). 

Read my full bucket list of the best things to do in LA . 

Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco

One of the most popular places to visit in California, San Francisco is an eclectic and condensed city known for its fog, tech scene, classic landmarks, and layered history. 

This is the spot to see a completely different side to the Golden State compared to cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. And, of course, the top sight to see in the city is the Golden Gate Bridge.  

The Golden Gate Bridge provides an unforgettable walk or bike ride with the most surreal experience of all: top-of-the-world views and a gentle sway from the suspension cables.

Climb to the top of the South Tower. When you look down, a grated catwalk makes you feel as if you’re floating on air, gazing straight down 750 feet to the water.

Not a fan of heights? Keep your feet firmly on the ground from with the Best Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints .

Alcatraz Island – San Francisco

If you want to visit Alcatraz Island, a pro tip is to buy tickets early! Tickets to Alcatraz Island are wildly popular and sell like hotcakes, sometimes selling out two months in advance in the summer. 

Once you get off the ferry at Alcatraz Island, you’ll soon discover why tourists flock to this now-abandoned maximum-security prison that once held the likes of Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and other notorious criminals. 

Its unique and layered history, stellar audio tour, and views of the San Francisco skyline are hard to beat.

If you’re feeling brave, you could even sign up for a night tour of one of California’s most famous islands .  

Grab your Alcatraz tickets here + a San Francisco City Tour .

Read my full guide to the best things to do in San Francisco at night .   

Golden Gate Park – San Francisco

The equivalent of New York’s Central Park (but much bigger), Golden Gate Park is a hotspot for outdoor and cultural activities in San Francisco.

Not only can you visit the De Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden within its leafy boundaries, you can also check out the Buffalo Paddock and see American bison grazing on the wild grasses!

Chinatown – San Francisco

San Francisco’s Chinatown is truly a sight to behold, with the gilded Dragon’s Gate and glowing red lanterns looming over you at its entrance.

This place has been the bedrock of the Chinese-American community since the days of the Gold Rush, so it makes sense that its alleys and buildings are rife with history.

You can easily get a bag of fortune cookies for a steal at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, help yourself to some egg tarts, grab a Mai Tai from Li Po, or enjoy dim sum during your time in Chinatown.

Boudin Bakery – San Francisco

The weather in San Francisco is best described as “perpetually chilly,” which means that it’s always soup weather!

San Francisco bakery chain, Boudin Bakery , is world-famous for its sourdough bread bowls, and, if you didn’t know already, San Francisco sourdough is kind of a thing. 

You really can’t beat a piping hot bread bowl of clam chowder after a brisk afternoon outside.

Not feeling sourdough? There are a number of other classic San Francisco treats to try around the city, like Cioppino, fresh Dungeness crab, Mai Tais, Irish coffee, fortune cookies, and Mission burritos. 

Ride a Cable Car – San Francisco

You’ll notice San Francisco’s iconic cable cars gliding up and down steep streets in the busiest parts of the city. In operation since 1873, the cable car was one of the city’s first forms of public transportation. 

Today, more tourists than locals use cable cars to get around but it’s still one of those quintessential things to do in San Francisco with a first-time visit. 

Take the stress out of buying tickets. Read my Guide to Cable Cars in San Francisco .

Lands End & Sutro Baths – San Francisco

Located in the northwest corner of San Francisco in the Presidio neighborhood, the Lands End trail is where you’ll find some of the best bayside views featuring the Golden Gate Bridge.

Start from the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths and make your way toward the Golden Gate Bridge. The views are unbeatable on a sunny, clear day.   

Read my full guide to the best urban hikes in San Francisco . 

Angel Island – San Francisco

Angel Island is the second-largest island in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering amazing views looking out at the San Francisco skyline. 

Once an immigration station, Angel Island is now a national historic landmark and state park located right in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. 

Spend an afternoon hiking around the island, visiting its many historic buildings, and walking up to its highest peak for stunning views of Karl the Fog rolling into the city before the ferry comes to take you back. 

Read my full guide to the best things to do in San Francisco . 

Napa Valley Wineries (And Beyond)

California wine predates California statehood, with Spanish Missionaries planting the first grapes in the 1700s.

From there, it steadily grew into becoming the wine region it is today, which is known as one of the best in the world.

With 138 American Viticultural Areas (or AVAs) and over 4,000 wineries that produce over 80% of the wine made in the US, California is serious about wine and its winemaking culture. 

Napa Valley wine country tends to get most of the attention. It’s the most popular wine region in California with beautiful scenery and castle-like wineries and it’s conveniently located an hour north of San Francisco, making it perfect for a weekend getaway . 

With that said, there are plenty of other wine countries to explore besides Napa wine country, such as Sonoma, Paso Robles, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Auburn, Anderson Valley, and Temecula, among many others.

If you can only pick a few places to go in California, Big Sur should be on your bucket list. Doing a road trip down the Big Sur coastline is easily one of the most beautiful things to do in California. 

This roughly 87-mile-long stretch of relatively undeveloped waterfront and scenic nature between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hearst Castle is one of the prettiest parts of California. 

Whether you drive it entirely or stop in for just a hint of Central Coast beauty, Big Sur is where you come to see it all: bluffs, sea, and endless sky.

Explore the Beaches & Beach Towns

With 840 miles of sparkling coastline and hundreds of sandy beaches, it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to exploring the beach culture in California. 

In the north, especially around the Mendocino coastline and above, you’ll find a more rugged and undeveloped coast that beckons you to get away from it all. 

To the south, you’ll find pristine, picture-perfect beaches filled with people, great weather, and popular resorts. 

The Los Angeles and Orange County beaches and beach towns are usually what you think of when you think of “beach culture” in California, with that endless summer vibe and long, sandy stretches to lay out on. 

Spend the day in Malibu on one of its scenic beaches or hiking trails looking over the Pacific Ocean.

Grab a bike and ride the 21-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail that cuts through some of LA’s most popular beaches.

Or rent a car and check out the best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway all the way down to Dana Point. 

If you’re looking for cute beach towns to discover, make a stop in Santa Cruz and Capitola , Pismo Beach, Morro Bay , or Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

Whichever beaches and beach towns you decide to add to your California to-do list, there are fantastic options up and down the state, it just depends on what you’re looking for. 

Eat a lot of Mexican Food

One of the best things about California is the abundance of amazing Mexican food. 

Crawl up and down State Route 99 to seek out the region’s finest taco stands, mulita specialists, enchilada masters, pan dulce shops, and more. 

Grab fresh churros and champurrado from one of the many food trucks around LA. Head to San Diego to taste its famous fish tacos, which can be found for as little as $2 on Taco Tuesdays.

And you can’t leave the state without trying the fusion “California Burrito” that sounds disgusting to anyone who isn’t from here (who puts french fries in a burrito?), but believe me when I say it’s delicious. 

Lastly, in San Francisco, you won’t want to miss out on the rice-heavy, huge Mission-style burritos that are so unique to the city. 

Go Surfing (Or Learn How to Surf)

The Beach Boys said it best in their song, “Surfin’ USA” when they talked about California being the best place to surf in the country. 

For those who already know how to catch a wave, head to popular spots like San Onofre State Beach, Trestles, Huntington Beach, Mavericks Beach, or Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. 

For beginner surfers , there are plenty of spots up and down the coast that provide perfect conditions for those just getting their feet wet. 

If you want to learn how to surf or you’re just getting started, head to Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, Mondo’s Beach in Ventura, Surfrider Beach in Malibu, or La Jolla Shores in San Diego. 

Whale Watching

Throughout the year, various types of whales make their annual migration from Alaska to Mexico and back, which means the whole coast of California is a prime whale watching area. 

From Mendocino to the Monterey Bay and down to San Diego, you’ll find whale watching opportunities and tours on offer at most times of the year. 

Sometimes you don’t even have to go on a whale watching tour, you can just see them at a distance from the beach because they come in so close to the shore (although it helps if you have binoculars ). 

The most common whales that migrate along the West Coast are gray, blue, and humpback whales.

You’ll most likely spot gray whales and orcas from December to May, humpback whales from May to November, and blue whales from July to October. Dolphins can be spotted year-round from the coast as well. 

Soak in Natural Hot Springs

If you’re looking for fun things to do with friends in California, there’s nothing better than soaking in a natural hot spring with an incredible view in front of you. 

With California’s geothermal nature, it’s not surprising that there are a number of great hot springs to be discovered around the state, both free and at resorts and spas. 

Most of the best hot springs are in Northern and Eastern California, especially around the Eastern Sierra region, although there are a few that can be found in Southern California as well. 

Read my full guide to the best California hot springs to learn more. 

Straddling the state line of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

In fact, Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest, largest, and deepest alpine lakes in the entire world.

The deep cerulean blue of Lake Tahoe combined with the pine tree-rimmed shoreline and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains sets it apart as one of the most unique destinations in the world.

A trip to Lake Tahoe can be anything you want it to be. In the summer, take advantage of the many state parks and hiking trails around the lake, do some adventure water activities, or discover hidden beaches . 

In the winter, hit the slopes at one of the 15 ski resorts, go snowshoeing, or enjoy après-ski happy hour drinks around the fire. 

If all else fails, there’s always testing your luck at the casinos on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe. 

Read my full guides to the best things to do in Lake Tahoe , North vs South Lake Tahoe , Lake Tahoe camping , and where to stay in Lake Tahoe . 

Visit the National Parks

California has the most national parks out of any other US state with nine in total. 

Visiting them is not only one of the best things to do in California, it also allows you to see the diversity of the landscape and just how impressive it can be. 

These are some of my favorite parks that are worth a visit for different reasons – just don’t forget your national park passport . 

Yosemite National Park

If there’s one park to visit in California, it’s Yosemite National Park . At Yosemite National Park, take in the incredible views at Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Valley View, and Olmsted Point. 

Hike to the top of Yosemite Falls or snag a permit to tackle the famous Half Dome hike. 

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, witness the awesome beauty of Yosemite National Park in winter when most of the crowds are gone and the park becomes a hushed winter wonderland. 

Whenever you decide to visit, spending the weekend at Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular and iconic things to do in California. 

Read our two days in Yosemite itinerary , and our guides to experiencing the Yosemite Firefall and how to get from San Francisco to Yosemite .

Joshua Tree National Park

One of my favorite places to travel in California is Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree National Park is the complete opposite of Yosemite National Park. Instead of sheer cliff faces, pine trees, and high altitudes, you’ll find a dry desert full of funky-looking Joshua Trees, palm trees, and old mines. 

At Joshua Tree National Park, tackle a desert hike or go rock climbing, take in the sunset from Keys View, walk around a cholla cactus garden, enjoy the stellar stargazing while camping (or glamping ), and tour a piece of California’s pioneer past at Keys Ranch. 

Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park

Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are often grouped together because they’re right next to each other. 

At Sequoia National Park, take in the view from Moro Rock, see General Sherman (the largest tree in the world), and tour the dark cavern that is Crystal Cave.   

At Kings Canyon National Park, drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, visit General Grant Grove, and have a picnic at the scenic Zumwalt Meadow. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Home to all four types of volcanoes (shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome), Lassen Volcanic National Park literally bubbles, steams, and roars.

This is where you can really see California’s volcanic past and geothermal nature come to life. Walk through the burping Bumpass Hell, take in the reflections at Manzanita Lake, and climb up a volcano called Cinder Cone. 

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a place of extremes. Really, the best way to describe its atmosphere is post-apocalyptic. 

Don’t let its intense nature scare you away though, Death Valley National Park is one of the most distinctive parks in the world that should be on everyone’s bucket list. 

Head to Badwater Basin to visit the lowest point in North America (282 feet below sea level), take in Zabriskie Point at sunrise or sunset, and enjoy the colorful hues at Artist’s Palette. 

Read our guide to the best things to do in Death Valley .  

Channel Islands National Park

The most remote and hardest to get to of the national parks in California, Channel Islands National Park takes some advanced planning to visit but it’s well worth the journey. 

Choose from one of five islands that make up the national park and plan to spend a night or two camping to get the full experience. There aren’t any restaurants, hotels, or other conveniences on the islands, so you’ll want to be prepared. 

Santa Cruz Island is the best for first-time visitors. Don’t miss out on signing up for a kayaking tour to explore its unique sea caves. 

Pinnacles National Park

Established in 2013, Pinnacles National Park is California’s youngest national park. An easy day trip from San Francisco, come here to witness majestic California Condors in the wild, see unique rock formations, and explore dark and musty caves. 

Read our guide to visiting Pinnacles National Park .

Looking to see all of California’s national parks in one trip? Read our itinerary for an epic California national parks road trip .

Balboa Park – San Diego

San Diego might not have quite as many iconic tourist attractions as SF and LA, but there’s still a lot to love about “America’s Finest City.” 

From family-friendly points of interest to those pristine beaches you can only get in Southern California, there are a ton of bucket list activities to enjoy in San Diego. 

San Diego also has some of the best free things to do in California (and on the West Coast as a whole) with its variety of outdoor activities, nearby nature spots, and hiking trails. 

And one of my favorite free things to do in the city is visiting Balboa Park.

Home to multiple museums, performing arts venues, and gardens, the 1,200-acre Balboa Park is a stunning monument to Spanish Renaissance architecture and the pride of San Diego.

Must-sees are El Prado, the Botanical Building, and the Old Globe Theatre (a replica of the Globe Theatre in London).

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park – San Diego

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park are so huge that it’s easy to spend the whole day admiring the many animals that live in each park.

The panda and gorilla exhibits are always a hit at the San Diego Zoo and you can easily get your steps in wandering from the Australia exhibit to the Tiger Trail and Africa Rocks.

If you want to observe exotic animals up close, the Safari Park is a great option to see your favorite giraffes, lions, and zebras out in the open.

Grab your skip-the-line tickets for the San Diego Zoo here and for the Safari Park here . 

USS Midway Museum – San Diego

The USS Midway Museum is a hotspot for maritime lovers and an opportunity to step onto the Midway aircraft carrier itself.

You can explore the Midway and the other exhibits (including flight simulators and the Battle of Midway Theater) on your own with the self-guided audio tour.

Otherwise, you can join the guided Island Tour (included with the price of admission) with one of the museum’s experienced docents.

Get your skip-the-line ticket here for the USS Midway Museum. 

La Jolla – San Diego

I might be biased since I went to school at UC San Diego, but I think La Jolla is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in San Diego and a tourist attraction in its own right. 

Head over to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to hike amongst golden-hued cliffs and coastal views, grab brunch in downtown La Jolla, and snorkel the 6,000-acre Underwater Park.

Coronado Island – San Diego

With panoramic views of the San Diego skyline, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and plenty of sandy beach areas, Coronado Island is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. 

You can walk around the Coronado peninsula in about two hours, grab a pint at Coronado Pub, or simply relax on the beach while taking in the windswept views. 

Read my guides to the best things to do in San Diego and the best camping near San Diego . 

Order from In-N-Out Burger’s Secret Menu

A must-do on any California road trip and one of the best cheap things to do in California is to grab a meal from In-N-Out Burger. 

With 256 locations just in California, it’s usually pretty easy to find an In-N-Out Burger nearby, from San Francisco to Los Angeles and beyond.

If you want to get the most out of your visit to California’s most famous burger joint, look up the secret menu on Google ahead of time. You can thank me later once you try animal style.

Go Skiing or Snowboarding

One of the great things about California is its diverse landscape. You could spend the morning at the beach and later that day be skiing or snowboarding in the mountains. 

Most people probably don’t think of winter sports when they think of California, but skiing and snowboarding are some of the best things to do in California during the colder months. 

Head to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes , Big Bear , Mount Shasta, or Mt Baldy to test your skills on the slopes and enjoy California’s version of a winter wonderland.

Read our guides to the best snowboard pants for women and the best snowboard gloves .  

Walk Amongst the California Redwoods

One of the best things to do in California is to hike through a hushed coastal redwood forest, there’s nothing else quite like it in the world. 

California’s redwoods, also known as Sequoia sempervirens or Hyperion, are not only the tallest trees in the world, they’re also pretty ancient, with some of them reaching 2,000 years old. 

A few popular spots to see California redwoods include Muir Woods National Monument, Avenue of the Giants, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National and State Parks. 

Read my detailed guide to the best places to see redwoods near San Francisco .  

Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is all kinds of cool, educational, and inspiring and one of the top things to do in California that should be on everyone’s bucket list. 

Located along the coast in Monterey , this is a must-see in California and a great place to visit for anyone who loves the ocean, whether you’re a kid or an adult.  

During your visit, explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s diverse marine life, many educational exhibits, and unique sights like its 28-foot kelp forest.   

Experience the State Capital – Sacramento

Often overlooked for other California hot spots, Sacramento is an underrated destination and one of the best places to visit in California to get to know the state capital and the state’s pioneering history. 

Choose from one of the many top things to do in Sacramento, such as stepping back in time in Old Sacramento, touring the California State Capitol building, or walking around the historic Sutter’s Fort. 

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, you can do a float trip on the Sacramento River , bike the American River Bicycle Trail, smell the flowers at McKinley Park, do a self-guided street art walk, or go for a hike at one of the many nearby parks. 

Point Reyes National Seashore & Tomales Bay

One of the most impressive parks and top things to do in the Bay Area, Point Reyes National Seashore boasts gorgeous coastal views, bountiful wildlife, and a good dose of history. 

Head to the more than 100-year-old Point Reyes Lighthouse. Have a picnic at one of the park’s breezy beaches and take a picture in the Cypress Tree Tunnel. Then go for a coastal hike or try and spot animals at Tule Elk Preserve and Elephant Seal Overlook. 

Nearby, visit the small towns of Point Reyes Station, Tomales Bay, and Marshall to try some of the best and freshest oysters in California from Hog Island and The Marshall Store. 

If you’re staying overnight, don’t miss the nighttime kayaking tour to discover the bright green bioluminescence that lights up Tomales Bay. 

Local tip: Located only an hour north of San Francisco, Point Reyes is not only a bucket list destination, it’s also one of the foggiest places in the world and the windiest place on the Pacific Coast.

Make sure to bring layers and don’t be surprised if you’re met with dense fog at some point during your trip. 

Read my guide to the best things to do in Point Reyes . 

Catalina Island

Whether you’re exploring the beaches , zip-lining with panoramic coastal views, partying it up at Descanso Beach Club, sipping on a buffalo milk cocktail, shopping the local boutiques, camping at Parsons Landing , or going for a hike , there’s something for everyone on Catalina Island. 

If you’re looking for more adventure, hike the multi-day Trans-Catalina Trail to see a different side of the island and spot the famous Catalina bison along the way.  

This is also a great tour to get you started with seeing the most scenic spots around the island. 

Read my guide to the perfect day trip to Catalina Island . 

Palm Springs

Visiting Palm Springs for a rejuvenating desert getaway has been one of the top things to do in California for decades, whether you’re a famous socialite, tourist, or burnt-out LA local. 

Besides its many pools and spas, Palm Springs is known for its mid-century architecture, famous house tours, pool parties, desert hikes, and LGBTQ-friendly nightlife. 

Palm Springs is the perfect destination to visit year-round for anyone who’s looking to get away from it all in the California desert.

Read my guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs . 

Flower Fields

California has a lot of Instagram spots but some of the most famous revolve around wildflower season in the spring and summer.

In fact, I’d go as far as saying that frolicking through flower fields is one of the top things to do in California. 

Head to the flower fields in Carlsbad to walk amongst 50 acres of every shade of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers from March to May. 

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, the Santa Monica Mountains, and Anza-Borrego State Park are all popular places to see California’s state flower up close and in the thousands from mid-February to May.

If sunflowers are more your thing, there are a number of bright yellow fields that can be found in full bloom off the side of the road in Yolo County in June and July. 

And finally, lavender farms are also a popular thing in California, especially around Napa and Sonoma. 

Head to spots like Lavender Bee Farm, Bees n Blooms Sonoma, and Monte Bellaria di California in mid-May to mid-July to make all of your purple-infused lavender-smelling dreams come true. 

Winchester Mystery House – San Jose

One of the top things to do in the Bay Area, see a haunted house come to real life on a Winchester Mystery House tour in San Jose.

This Victorian mansion is the result of decades of architectural oddities, no master building plan, and the whimsical tastes of heiress Sarah Winchester.

Sarah Winchester’s spirit-warding touches such as decoy bathrooms, the number 13, and spider-web motifs throughout the manor only add to its mysterious and spooky nature. 

Read our guide to the best things to do in San Jose .

Santa Barbara

There are a lot of beautiful spots along the Central California Coast, but one of the prettiest is Santa Barbara. 

Located between Big Sur and Santa Monica, Santa Barbara is all about Spanish colonial architecture, fresh seafood, and multi-hued sunsets. 

It has fantastic beaches with resident seals, stellar shopping along State Street, and impressive coastal scenery dotted with palm trees that can only be found in California. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in California for couples, Santa Barbara is an ideal getaway with its scenic nature, perfect weather, and a plethora of romantic activities. 

17-Mile Drive – Monterey

There are a lot of scenic coastal drives in California, but one of the most popular routes that doesn’t skimp on good views is the 17-Mile Drive . 

Starting from Monterey and traveling through the gated community of Pebble Beach on the way down to Carmel-by-the-Sea, the 17-Mile Drive is a good introduction to Central California scenery at its finest. 

Famous sights on the route include the Lone Cypress Tree, Bird Rock, and Del Monte Forest. 

Non-residents have to pay a $10.25 toll to drive the 17-Mile Drive but it’s worth it for the beautiful route and gorgeous seaside views. 

California Amusement Parks

If you’re looking to partake in fun California activities, checking out one of the state’s many amusement parks is a good option. 

There’s a lot more to California’s theme park scene than just Disneyland and Universal Studios. 

Head to California’s Great America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Hurricane Kingdom, Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City, or Raging Waters for theme parks full of rollercoasters, waterslides, and plenty of thrill rides.

If you’re looking for more of a classic theme park vibe and more than just rollercoasters, make a visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the oldest surviving amusement park in the state and one of the few oceanside amusement parks in California and the West Coast as a whole.

In Southern California, get your thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Knott’s Soak City. Or, head to the all-ages family-friendly theme parks like Balboa Island’s Fun Zone, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Legoland, or Belmont Park in San Diego. 

Explore Hidden Caves

Looking for adventurous things to do in California? The Golden State is home to a number of hidden caverns that are open to the public. 

Some of the most popular caves in California can be found at the Lake Shasta Caverns. 

Accessible by guided tour, you’ll find a 300-foot man-made tunnel into the mountainside where you’ll be immersed in a subterranean wonderland, sure to impress even the most skeptical visitors.

Otherwise, a trip to Moaning Caverns and Mercer Caverns in the Sierra Foothills is another good option to make your spelunking dreams come true. 

If you don’t want to do a guided tour, you can always explore the caves of Pinnacles National Park on your own. 

Or, for a truly impressive experience, make the trek to Lava Beds National Monument, a spot that features over 700 caves, a look into California’s volcanic past, and Indigenous American art in Tulelake. 

Visit the Monarch Butterflies

Although marine life usually gets most of the attention on the West Coast, one of the most magical things to see in California is a eucalyptus forest that’s filled with thousands of monarch butterflies. 

There are two spots in California that are known as migration hot spots for monarch butterflies – Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz and the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach (south of Big Sur).  

The butterflies start nesting around late October and stay until mid-February (they can leave as early as January though so it’s good to check ahead of time). November is usually the best month to see the most butterflies. 

Highway 395

Although not as popular as the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the best things to do in California to see a different side of the state is a road trip through the Sierra Nevada, along Highway 395. 

A Highway 395 road trip is one of those bucket list experiences, full of panoramic views featuring mountainous landscapes, pioneering history, ghost towns, and hot springs. 

Top attractions include Travertine Hot Springs, Bodie Ghost Town, Mono Lake, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Devil’s Postpile Monument and Rainbow Falls, Hot Creek Geological Area, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Bishop Creek, Ancient Bristlecone Forest, and Alabama Hills. 

Hearst Castle

One of the best bucket list things to do in California, Hearst Castle , also known as Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, is located along the coast just south of Big Sur. 

Attracting around 750,000 annual visitors, Hearst Castle (really, more of a mansion museum) is a National Historic Landmark. 

It was built by the famous California architect, Julia Morgan, and owned and lived in by newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, from 1919 to 1947.

Hearst had very interesting interior decorating tastes that would best be described as “eclectic gaudiness,” but a guided tour is worthwhile to explore the historic, sprawling property, and the hundreds of rooms within it.  

40 minutes northwest of Santa Barbara you’ll find Solvang , a unique danish-themed town and a top attraction on the Central Coast. 

Solvang is known for its Danish-inspired architecture complete with windmills and wineries, as well as Danish bakeries and the bountiful amount of Danish flags within city limits.  

So where did all this Danish inspiration come from? The city was founded by a group of Danes in 1911 who were trying to escape the intensely cold Midwestern winters.

The city has never forgotten its roots nor its love for all things Danish since then. It’s one of those bucket list destinations that’s fun to visit on a California road trip. 

Read our guide to the best things to do in Solvang .

Embrace the Diversity

California is a place of diversity and not just in terms of its landscape. The Golden State is a melting pot of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. It’s one of the reasons why it’s such a welcoming and progressive place. 

This is why embracing California’s diversity is something you should definitely experience while visiting California. 

One of the most fun ways to do this as a tourist is to find cultural neighborhoods within major cities. These neighborhoods tend to be historic and feature fantastic food, distinctive architecture, regular cultural events, and unique museums.  

A few of the best cultural neighborhoods in California include the following:

• Chinatown and Japantown in San Francisco
• Little Portugal and Japantown in San Jose
• Chinatown in Sacramento 
• Little Manila in Stockton
• Cambodia Town in Long Beach
• Koreatown, Little Armenia, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, Little Italy, Thai Town, Chinatown, and Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles. 
• Little Saigon in Orange County
• Little Italy, Old Town, and Little Saigon in San Diego

Salvation Mountain & Slab City

One of the more unique things to do in Southern California, a few miles away from the Salton Sea, visionary Leonard Knight took it upon himself to create an actual mountain out of adobe, straw, and non-toxic paint.

Today, Salvation Mountain attracts thousands of visitors every year with its candy-bright colors and biblical murals.

Even if you’re not religious, Salvation Mountain is worth visiting due to its sheer creativity.

Nearby Slab City is an unincorporated community in the middle of nowhere, a place that can only be found in the California desert.

Queen Mary – Long Beach

Note: The Queen Mary is currently closed while it goes through a change in ownership. There’s no definite reopening date yet, although some people speculate it could be sometime in 2022 or 2023.  

One of the more unusual things to do in California, it’s not every day you get to explore a supposedly haunted ship turned hotel in the Long Beach Harbor. 

The RMS Queen Mary operated from 1934 to 1967 as a transatlantic liner, cruise ship, and military transport. 

This 1,019-foot boat is now permanently docked in Long Beach as an interactive museum, featuring three restaurants, 346 hotel rooms, and guided tours to explore the layered history of this famous ship.

Read our detailed guide to the best things to do in Long Beach . 

Explore the Best Literary Spots

California has been home to plenty of famous authors throughout the years, from Jack London to John Steinback, Joan Didion, Henry Miller, Gertrude Stein, Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), and Charles Bukowski, to name a few.  

If you’re a fan of books and literature, one of the best things to do in California is to pay homage to these great writers by visiting the places they lived, worked, and adored the most. 

A few literary attractions in California include Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Napa Valley, Jack Kerouac Alley and the Beat Museum in San Francisco, the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, and the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur.  

See the Barking Elephant Seals

If you’re looking for unique wildlife things to do in California besides whale watching, seeing elephant seals in their natural habitat is another bucket list experience to enjoy in the Golden State. 

Two of the best places to see California elephant seals are Año Nuevo State Park near Santa Cruz and Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery near Hearst Castle. 

These windswept points in California are not only scenic spots to while away an afternoon, but also home to large elephant seal colonies where you can watch seals fight over mates, welcome pups into the world, and molt.

The best time to see elephant seals at their most active are the months of January (breeding and birthing), April (molting), and October (juvenile haul-out). 

Local tip: Guided tours are required from mid-December through the end of March at Año Nuevo State Park.

Road Trip the Rugged Northern California Coast

Although most people stick to seeing the sights between San Francisco and Los Angeles, one of the more unique things to do in California is to take a road trip up the Northern California Coast. 

From San Francisco to the start of the Oregon Coast, the Northern California coastline is the best place in North America to immerse yourself in giant redwood forests.

It’s also a great place to explore historic lighthouses, unique beaches, and small, welcoming coastal towns along the way.    

It’s the perfect bucket list trip for anyone who’s looking for more rugged landscapes and remote wilderness.  

Don’t miss stops in Bodega Bay, Jenner, Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Ferndale, Eureka, and Crescent City. 

Top sights along the way include Bodega Head, Fort Ross, Bowling Ball Beach, Point Arena and Point Cabrillo Lighthouses, Russian Gulch State Park, the colorful Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, Railbiking, Avenue of the Giants, Fern Canyon, and driving through the Klamath Tour Thru Tree.

Read my guide to the best things to do in Mendocino .

Other Things to do in California

And finally, a few other places and things to do in California that I couldn’t fit into this already massive post but deserve a mention. 

• Admire the majestic Burney Falls
• Take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory
• Try garlic ice cream in Gilroy
• Catch a sports game, take your pick from MLB, NBA, NFL, MLS, or NHL
• Dance the weekend away at a music festival – a few to choose from include Coachella, Outside Lands, Stagecoach, BottleRock Napa Valley, and Lightning in a Bottle
• Go whitewater rafting 
• Eat at the nicest Taco Bell in the World in Pacifica
• Birdwatching at Elkhorn Slough
• Go for a hike in Calaveras Big Trees State Park 
• Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno
• Drive the scenic Fresno County Blossom Trail
• Do a self-guided tour of the local breweries, especially in craft beer hotspots like San Diego (read my guide to the best California breweries )
• Make a stop at the iconic Madonna Inn (and sneak a peek at the bathrooms) 
• See the oldest tree in the world at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Visit apple orchards in the fall in places like Julian or Apple Hill (read my guide to the best things to do in Julian )
• Get into the fall spirit at a Half Moon Bay pumpkin patch (Half Moon Bay is the pumpkin capital of the world)
• Hear the whistling sand dunes at Mojave Preserve
• Watch the sunrise at Fonts Point at Anza Borrego Desert State Park
• Snap a picture with the metal sculptures near Anza Borrego Desert State Park at Galleta Meadows
• See the fall foliage in June Lake and Bishop Creek 
• Ride an ATV over the Oceano Sand Dunes
• Road trip the 21 California Missions (from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and all the way down to San Diego)
• Take a day trip to Mexico

Best Time to Visit California

As you can probably gather from this massive list of things to do in California, there’s really no bad time to visit California. 

The majority of the state has nice weather for year-round outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and road trips. 

You can also find winter wonderlands in the colder months, colorful fall foliage in autumn, and vibrant wildflowers in the spring and summer.  

With that said, there are a couple of things to note if you’re planning a visit to California.

First off is fire season. August through October is peak fire season and you can expect at least a handful of wildfires happening in different parts of the state during this time of the year.

The second thing to note is the landslides in the spring, especially around the Big Sur coastline. These aren’t as common as wildfires, but after a day or two of heavy rain in the spring, it’s not uncommon to hear about parts of the coastline succumbing to erosion. 

Lastly, although summer is a popular time to visit, we get “June Gloom” on many parts of the coast and “Fogust” in the Bay Area, with overcast skies most days.

Spring or fall is usually when you’ll find the overall best weather throughout the state. 

If you’re looking for a full guide on more things to do in California and how to road trip the Golden State, I wrote a whole book on it. You can check it out here .  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mimi McFadden Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (5 years), where she currently resides.

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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50 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In California In Your Lifetime

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: July 1, 2019  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Some of the most beautiful places in the US are definitely located in California!

Apart from Orange County , Santa Cruz , and San Jose , California has no shortage of incredible locations, and as such, it can be hard to figure out where to go.

With a myriad of different places to feast your eyes on, you will have no shortage of breathtaking sights to visit in California.

To help you out, here are the 50 most beautiful places in California to visit in your lifetime.

Table of Contents

1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the top must-see places in all of America, not just California!

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it boasts a wide range of attractions, including five cascading 1,000-foot waterfalls, imposing sequoia trees, and 13 spacious campgrounds.

Visitors can enjoy such gorgeous, scenic locations as Glacier Point, which overlooks Half Dome, High Sierra, Tenaya Canyon, and even the Vernal and Nevada Falls in the distance.

There’s also the famous Valley View, which can be found within the Yosemite Valley, home to the Cathedral Rocks, El Capitan, Merced River, and more.

2. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a little coastal town that provides Mediterranean-esque vibes, relaxation, and plenty of lovely beach locations for those looking for some fun in the sun.

Butterfly Beach, located in this spot, is easily one of the best places to visit in California, and it is a go-to destination for many celebrities!

Apart from the appealing beaches, you can also stroll around and take in the sight of rustic villas, engaging hiking trails, and fascinating markets and shops in State Street.

There’s a lot to enjoy and explore, and when you’re done, you can watch the stunning sunset!

Planning a trip to Santa Barbara? Check out the best things to do in Santa Barbara !

3. Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is the perfect destination for a weekend trip in California.

Visitors can access the island via one of three ports and a short ferry ride, and then they’ll be basking in great warm weather with lots of activities to take part in!

You can take a romantic walk down to Lover’s Point, explore in a rented golf cart, enjoy a jeep tour, have a blast with multiple different water activities like diving, kayaking, and parasailing, and even go hiking!

Plus, there’s lots of delicious food to try out while you’re there.

4. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is known for arguably being the most stunning body of water in all of California.

Located in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, this freshwater Alpine lake is extraordinarily clear, and there are plenty of trails to hike around the area to see the lake in all its glory.

Lake Tahoe is breathtaking no matter which part of it you’re in, but noticeably great areas to visit are Emerald Bay.

It’s an astonishing inlet with flawlessly blue waters and plenty of amenities for tourists, and Sand Harbor, which makes for an impeccable beach experience surrounded by nature.

5. Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway may “just” be a road to help you get from some parts of California to the others, but there’s a reason it’s so well-known for its road trip value.

The scenery you see along the way through this Star Memorial Highway is nothing short of remarkable!

As you drive down this highway, you’ll see so many great locations to stop if you so choose, making it perfect for a thorough road trip of California.

Sure, thinking of a road as a gorgeous location to take a trip to isn’t the most conventional, but you’ll find that many people consider it among their top destinations.

6. Napa Valley

Napa Valley

Napa Valley consists of rolling hills, old architecture, and, of course, the beautiful vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.

There are more than 400 wineries in the region, which was once home to Patwin Native Americans, with its vineyard cultivation beginning sometime in the 18th century.

If you like, you can ride a hot air balloon to view the amazing tourist spots from above or take a trip to downtown Napa to enjoy a mix of modern luxury and old-fashioned whimsy.

It’s no surprise that this is a must-stop spot along your journey through California!

7. Mono Lake

Mono Lake is ancient, yet just as enticing as ever.

It is a saline body of water that doesn’t hold any fish due to its salt content, but alkali flies and brine shrimp enjoy the habitat significantly.

The entire location looks otherworldly thanks to numerous tufa rock formations, making it easy to see why this is one of the most awesome locations in California for a trip!

You can explore the region with a walking tour, a kayak tour, and other similar expeditions.

It’s located on one of the Sierra Mountain’s slopes and isn’t that far from Yosemite, so it’s a great stop along your travels.

8. Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks

The Redwood National and State Parks are extraordinarily delightful places, made up of a wide variety of different parks which all line up along the coast of Northern California.

Visitors can take their pick of which one to stop at, or even visit them all one by one!

Within these parks, you’ll find towering redwood trees arching 300 feet into the sky, remnants of the ancient Jurassic Period and an intimidating sight to behold.

There’s a park that caters to the interests of everyone, so you’re sure to find one that gives you the experience you’re seeking!

9. Death Valley

Death Valley

Sure, Death Valley is a bit of a downer of a name, but there’s a reason this is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in California.

Its landscape holds nothing back in providing an entrancing and stunning appearance, with rolling hills illuminated under the burning sun in the hottest place in the country.

There are a large number of unique and interesting spots in Death Valley.

The most famed is Zabriskie point, which allows you to overlook Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the whole nation) while keeping your eyes on the rising Panamint mountains that loom up ahead.

There’s also the Mesquite Sand Dunes, which provide fascinating geological terrain to explore.

10. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is an absolutely breathtaking location.

This small town is the quintessential California experience, packed with splendid beaches of all kinds, ranging from large to small and from quiet to populated.

Crescent Bay and Main Beach are some of the most renowned for their beauty.

But it’s not just beaches that visitors can enjoy in this region!

Head to Crystal Cove State Park for a more untamed glimpse of the shore, or visit Heisler Park to spot exquisite wildflowers, trees, and other forms of flora.

If you’re going to this state, you just can’t miss this location!

11. Burney Falls

Burney Falls

Burney Falls is a beautiful 129-foot waterfall that releases a lot of water out into the equally lovely Lake Britton – a whopping 100 million gallons on a daily basis, in fact!

Underground springs provide extra water, so these falls never cease in their rush.

Dive in for a cool swim, or just enjoy the mist wafting off the massive cascade!

Once you’re done checking out Burney Falls, you can go sightseeing around the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which is the place these falls call their home.

Go camping, hiking, and even fishing, and take all the photos that you like of this paradise in California.

12. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest houses outstandingly old flora – some of the oldest in the world, not just in California!

The USDA states that some of these bristlecone pines are more than 4,000 years of age.

Among these phenomenal wonders of nature, you’ll also find the Patriarch Tree, the largest of all trees of its kind on the planet.

Enjoy a picnic, a hike, or just a little excursion surrounded by some of the best flora you’ll ever see.

13. Glory Hole

This amusingly named location may have a fun, odd sound to it, but it’s an incredibly beautiful spot that you just have to see.

It is a part of Lake Berryessa, a reservoir located in Napa County, where it formed due to the Monticello Dam’s construction.

The recent drought in California has caused some issues, but you can still easily see this alien-looking spillway that drains downwards in a majestic and terrifying whirlpool to the deep, dark depths of the water.

Make sure you keep your distance and just admire it from afar!

14. Cypress Tree Tunnel

Cypress Tree Tunnel

The Cypress Tree Tunnel is one of those cool places you just can’t miss.

Located in Point Reyes, this “tunnel” consists entirely of Monterey cypress trees which arch overhead, forming an ethereal and whimsical bit of scenery that looks like it came out of a children’s fairy tale, not from California!

The branches on these trees lock into each other, creating the perfect shady walkway that is full of photo opportunities.

Visitors will have the most enjoyable time in the late afternoon, which is when the lighting is at its most aesthetically pleasing.

15. Ojai Valley

Ojai Valley

Ojai is a beautiful little town that is laid-back, relaxed, and rustic – perfect for a calmer California vacation.

It houses quaint shops, inns, hotels, and vineyards, and there’s a farmer’s market as well as fresh, interesting foods to try out.

Go hiking through the valley to see all there is to see or ride a bike west to go towards the beach, where you can enjoy a serene day of sun and surf.

Don’t forget to watch the sunset, glowing pink as it illuminates the mountains!

16. Bowling Ball Beach

Bowling Ball Beach

Bowling Ball Beach is one of those standout points of interest in California that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Located on Schooner Gulch State Beach, this nice stretch of coast is completely naturally filled with spherical rocks, made from sandstone after years and years of erosion.

You can see the full majesty of these “balls” during low tide, and you only need a short walk to get there.

To exercise caution, though, as erosion continues and may cause some cliff areas to be unstable.

17. Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is definitely one of the best places to visit in California.

This saline lake lies inland at the Sonoran desert, a result of burst dams from more than 100 years ago.

This lake lies 235 feet underneath sea level and is the largest lake in the whole state.

This location gives off a melancholic vibe due in part to its ghost town, which formed around the lake and was once considered the new Palm Springs .

Today, it is largely abandoned, and you can explore houses left to rot, a fascinating and funny museum, and the lake itself.

18. Big Sur

We can’t mention beautiful places in California without mentioning the Big Sur, a favorite coastal spot among visitors.

It stretches across 90 miles and houses a number of delightful sights, including jagged hills, the iconic cobalt McWay Falls, and the highly photogenic Bixby Creek Bridge, which is among the biggest, tallest of its kind in the world.

There is also, of course, Pfeiffer Beach, which is full of purple sand left behind by garnet erosion, mixing in with white and black grains for a spectacular sight.

It may be less popular than other beaches in the area, but it’s still an incredible find.

19. Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Harbor is one of those tourist attractions that just seems to have everything.

It’s an amazing place to get delicious, fresh seafood while enjoying the stunning beaches.

You can go whale watching, fishing, or shopping, and there are plenty of great dining options, too.

It may not be as action-packed as some other locations, but this is one of the most relaxing and peaceful things to do in California .

It’s perfect for those looking for a little respite from the hustle and bustle of city life!

20. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, and it showcases a one-of-a-kind side of California: one involving its greenery, nature, and all things down to earth.

Even its attached town is worthy of the trip, providing visitors with calm relaxation and a happy atmosphere.

This spot also offers some of the best camping opportunities in California, if you’re feeling up to it!

If not, just enjoy the beautiful sight of the turquoise waves lapping against the shore.

It’s not a trip that you’ll soon forget!

21. Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls in undisputedly one of the most beautiful places in California.

Located in Madera County, this waterfall rushes down from its 101-foot height.

It earned its name because, at the right time, a rainbow can be seen emerging from its mist.

To guarantee that you’ll see it, head over at midday when the sun is at its highest.

It’s about a 3-mile round hiking trip to get to this stunning location, and on the way, you can go sightseeing.

Enjoy the park wildlife, peek at the lower falls, and watch the rush of the San Joaquin River.

22. Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon is endlessly iconic, making it one of the best canyons in California.

Its walls scale upwards 50 feet, coated in lush green ferns. The aesthetic of the scenery will provide a feeling of leaping back in the past to when dinosaurs roamed the planet!

In fact, multiple dinosaur documentaries have been filmed here, and some Jurassic Park scenes, too.

Some of these ferns truly are ancient, and visitors will be treated to seven different kinds, some of which are more than 300 million years old.

This short and easy but highly rewarding trail is designated an International Biosphere Reserve and is a real feast for the eyes!

23. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

It may stand out a little on this list, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while you’re looking for what to see in California!

It boasts numerous fun displays, including prolific and extensive collections of art from a wide variety of cultures.

Of course, there’s also Urban Light – an art installation in the museum that holds the restorations of an impressive 202 antique street lamps made from cast iron.

It’s a very Instagrammable location, and it’s a magical sight to behold!

Address:  5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

Visiting Los Angeles soon? Check out some of the best things to do in LA !

24. Griffith Park

Griffith Park

If you’re looking for cities to stop by in California, Los Angeles may just top your list thanks to the beautiful Griffith Park .

Founded in 1896, it spans 4,300 acres and is a favorite of visitors, with plenty of activities to engage in.

This park is the second largest of its kind in the state of California, and it’s not just all greenery.

It holds a zoo, botanical gardens, a theatre, a museum, and the ever-popular Griffith observatory, which gives you a breathtaking view of the state, all the way up to the iconic Hollywood sign.

Address:  4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

25. Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument

The Lava Beds National Monument consists of over 700 caves, 25 of which have tubes made entirely out of lava.

You can crawl through them and gaze in awe at this otherworldly location, which is definitely among the must-see places in California.

Visitors can find out how these lava tubes formed at an information center.

While you’re there, you can go looking for different bats or check out Mushpot Cave, which is the only one in the entire site that is illuminated for an even more whimsical experience.

Address:  1 Indian Well Hqts, Tulelake, CA 96134, USA

26. Huntington Gardens

Huntington Gardens

The Huntington Gardens were once owned by Henry Huntington, who was a wealthy railroad magnate.

These days, this 120-acre expanse of land is one of the best places to see in California, attracting all sorts of people looking for a fun excursion.

There are countless landscaped spots throughout these gardens, inspired by different regions.

If you’re more interested in history, you can head to the Huntington Library, where American and European art, manuscripts, and books of surprising rarity all wait for perusal.

Address:  1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA

27. Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is an elegant, graceful, and opulent attraction which is one of the nicest places of interest in California.

It was built by William Randolph Hearst, who set to work building the regal building after receiving his father’s land inheritance.

The castle has 165 rooms, and it is set on a 127-acre space of land.

Within it, you can find pools, walkways, gardens, terraces, fountains, and plenty of areas in the complex to explore.

Hearst’s collection of antiquities is truly a fascinating sight to behold, and if you visit, you’ll be able to marvel at artifacts from a variety of cultures.

Address:  750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA

28. Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrillo National Monument is one of those beautiful places in California that you just can’t miss.

Named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, it boasts gorgeous tide pools that can be viewed from the location.

You can also take a short walk to the brilliant Point Cabrillo Light Station.

Meanwhile, a hidden sea cave lurks, closed to the public due to potentially hazardous conditions, somewhere nearby.

Many people still choose to make it one of their destinations, though, heading over during the low tide and enjoying the secluded spot.

We’re not saying you should do the same, but it’s a fascinating concept to think about!

Address:  1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Traveling to San Diego soon? Check out our list of things to do in San Diego !

29. The Flower Fields

The Flower Fields

If you love flowers, The Flower Fields located in Carlsbad  is among the tourist attractions in California that you just have to visit!

Spanning 50 acres, these rolling fields contain dazzling flowers known as Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, which come out in full vibrant force in spring.

The optimal time to come here is between early March to early May, and this is when the ranch opens up to the public, too.

Wander through the dazzling fields of breathtaking flowers.

You can even have lunch here on one of the numerous picnic tables available, and if you can’t bring your own food, there are plenty of light refreshments sold.

Address:  5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

30. Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument

The Muir Woods National Monument is home to the most beautiful redwood trees in California.

These gargantuan wonders of nature tower overhead in awe-inspiring glory, seeming to stretch on forever in their quest to touch the sky above.

Redwood trees are believed to be the tallest on the planet, and they’re not just impressive in height – their width spans outwards, often reaching diameters wider than that of a car.

Trek down through the numerous trails and take in all the wooded wonder of lush, emerald greenery surrounding you – a true paradise in California.

Address:  1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA

31. Sturtevant Falls

Sturtevant Falls

Sturtevant Falls is an incredible spot for sightseeing.

Located in the Angeles National Forest, in Big Santa Anita Canyon, this waterfall measures fifty feet in height, and the cliff that it spills generously out of is coated in untamed algae and moss.

When you look into the water, you’ll see hues and tones of various colors playing against the ripples.

This location looks just like the backdrop from a postcard, and that’s plenty of reason to check it out!

32. Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is one of the best beaches you’ll find in this state, making it a surefire hit among the top places to visit in California.

It is packed with rugged land that is perfect for hiking through, with plenty of trails to follow and explore.

Nearby, visitors can also check out the Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area as well as the Montara State Marine Reserve.

There’s lots of wildlife to see and over 40 miles of trails to trek through if you’re feeling up to it!

Address:  Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

33. Glass Beach

Glass Beach

Glass Beach is a fun and unique location in California.

Unlike most beaches, it isn’t coated in sand – instead, along its shores lie hundreds and hundreds of little bits of glass.

This glass comes from all sorts of items, whether ceramics, bottles, or other artifacts, and they washed in from garbage cliffs left by early settlers.

Visitors can enjoy treasure hunting across this delightful shore, which offers just as much rest and relaxation as any other beach, with a little extra pizazz and a special twist.

Do note that rules on whether you can take home a piece of glass differ, so read up before you go!

34. Natural Bridges

Natural Bridges

The Natural Bridges are one of the most fascinating points of interest in California.

Technically, these structures are called “karsts”, and they are created due to water erosion that slowly carves shapes out of soluble bedrock.

Located in the remnants of Coyote Creek, this staggering and astounding formation is so purposeful and imposing that it’s hard to believe it all happened naturally!

You can explore the area with waterproof clothing; bathing suits are preferred with how wet it’s going to get.

35. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

The official flower of California is the poppy, so it would be a crime not to join visitors in flocking to the impeccably beautiful Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in the Mojave Desert.

In wildflower season, poppies grow in full force, typically in bright orange tones that you can see from a distance away!

The optimal time to head to this treasure in California is between March and May, which is when all the flowers bloom.

It’s such a huge location that even during its most popular times, you won’t feel like it’s too crowded to move.

Address:  15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536, USA

36. Bumpass Hell

Bumpass Hell

Bumpass Hell is a geothermal location in Lassen Volcanic National Park, a quieter and less frequented park in California.

It is packed with geysers, mud pots of boiling liquid, steam vents, and an uncommonly stained geography making it phenomenal to behold.

Sure, the sulfur can cause a bit of a stink in the area, but it’s still a nice little place to explore just for its scenery, history, and peculiar value.

You can find this unbelievable spot in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Be sure to stop by the Big Boiler, which is a fumarole that is among the hottest on the planet!

37. Encinitas Meditation Gardens

Encinitas Meditation Gardens / Wonderlane / flickr

Want a holiday away from the bustling crowds?

The Encinitas Meditation Gardens is one of the best places to visit in California for a slice of scenic gorgeousness without overpopulation.

Subtly colorful flora and ponds full of koi fish await you here, where they provide ultimate serenity.

Encinitas itself, meanwhile, is a little coastal town that has delicious açai bowls and plenty of down-to-earth opportunities to explore.

It is a breath of fresh air away from the hectic chaos of many other popular locales.

Address:  215 W K St, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA

38. Alamere Falls

Alamere Falls

Not only is Alamere Falls one of those beautiful spots you need to see once in your lifetime, but it’s also a pretty rare natural occurrence: a tidefall.

Essentially, its rushing water flows straight into the ocean – a unique sight you won’t see often in places across the country, let alone in California!

It’s a long hike to the waterfall’s base, but it’s very worth the 10-mile round trip.

While you’re at it, you can view the Pacific Ocean from cliff tops and even stop by Bass Lake to enjoy a little rope swing action.

39. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is among the most loved tourist spots in the state, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in California.

According to legend, the trees that populate the area, called Joshua trees, were given a Biblical name by Mormons who traveled through the area.

If you’re a rock climber, you’ll love tackling this very rough and tricky terrain to get to the more than 5000-foot-tall Keys View.

If not, you can enjoy the sight of the incredible trees with their thick, rugged trunks or head over to the Cholla Cactus Garden for more desert plants.

40. Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley

Napa Valley can get overcrowded with tourists.

Sonoma Valley is a great alternative within California that provides all the wonders of wine country with half the crowd and on a lower budget.

The vineyards are stunning and stupendous, and along the sides of the valley, you’ll find beautiful coastline.

Sure, it’s not as popular as Napa Valley, but Sonoma Valley is still one of the marvelous places to see in California.

It doesn’t matter if you like wine or not – the vineyards are lovely enough!

41. Thousand Island Lake

Thousand Island Lake

Thousand Island Lake is famous for being a little difficult to get to, but it’s very rewarding if you make it there!

Sitting just beneath Banner Peak in the range of Sierra Nevada, this alpine Lake lies in wait in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

The lake is full of multiple small little islands and feels delightful to take a dip in!

The journey to this California lake is just as beautiful as the lake itself.

You’ll see mountain peaks covered in snow, waterfalls cascading in glimmering streams, and transparently clear lakes full of refreshing cool water.

42. The Giant Rock

The Giant Rock

The Giant Rock sounds a little dull, but you’ll find that it’s one of the best spots in the Mojave Desert.

It spans across 5,800 square feet and is a completely free standing rock that is the biggest the earth has to offer.

It’s extremely tall, too – around seven stories in height!

If you’re looking for where to visit in California, this surprisingly all-natural sight is definitely worth the trip.

You’ll be amazed that something so massive can naturally exist, and how it came to stand alone like that is astonishing, too!

43. Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is packed with the well-known sequoia trees, one of which is the largest single stem tree on earth, not just in California!

It is known as the General Sherman and it can be found in the park’s Giant Forest area.

While you’re in the park, have fun by taking in the gorgeous scenery.

View Mount Whitney’s 14,505-foot peak, walk along hiking trails, and take in the sight of unique flora and fauna.

44. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Not many of the most tourist-worthy spots in California are in cities, but the Golden Gate Bridge stands out due to its stellar, astounding splendor and grandeur.

Over 40 million cars drive across it annually, so there’s really no excuse not to be a visitor to this marvel of modern engineering.

Around the bridge, stunning natural water laps beneath. There are lots to do in the area – you can head to Sausalito by ferry for a quick day trip, or ride a bike around Fisherman’s Wharf.

Don’t forget your camera – the Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the world!

45. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

It’s odd to think of Alcatraz Island as a place to go in California, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of activity that you’re sure to remember.

Located just off the shore of San Francisco by 1.25 miles, this island holds the infamous Alcatraz military prison, federal prison, and fortification.

While, here you can explore the island on a guided tour and see the dated architecture, hear old legends, and view gardens and remodeled buildings.

It’s an unusual slice of California that makes for a great stop on your journey.

Planning a trip to San Francisco soon? Make sure to check out our list of things to do in San Francisco !

46. Mossbrae Falls

Mossbrae Falls

Mossbrae Falls earns its downpour from a spring, and it empties its bowels into the Sacramento River.

Its canyon walls are, as its name suggests, coated in thick moss, which creates an otherworldly sort of appeal.

Located just beneath Shasta Springs, this waterfall is easily one of the most gorgeous points of interest in California if you’re into waterfalls and a spot of fun.

It looks like it came out of some old storybook!

Traveling to Sacramento soon? You’ll definitely love our list detailing the best things to do in Sacramento !

Bishop is one of those destinations that is perfect for nature-lovers.

This small town offers access to the 14,246-foot White Mountain Peak, which is a great excursion for passionate hikers who love working up a real sweat for picturesque, breathtaking, rewarding views!

Sure, it may not be the most popular location, but Bishop is still one of the best places to go in California.

You can visit their cultural center, museum, or city park.

There’s also the Sad Boulders, an area for hiking and bouldering, which is open to the public for all your climbing needs!

48. Monterey Beach

Monterey Beach

Monterey Beach is among the most beautiful ones along the coastline of Pacific Coast Highway in California.

Known also as Carmel-By-The-Sea, it provides wondrous views of tidepools, white sand, and teal waters – everything you need for the quintessential beach vacation.

Visitors to this beach can go surfing, whale watching, or wildflower hunting, and they can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see some great marine wildlife up close!

If you go during the summer, your chances of spotting whales breaching the surface of the water are surprisingly high, so plan accordingly.

Planning a trip to Monterey soon? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Monterey !

49. Nit Wit Ridge

Nit Wit Ridge / Damian Gadal / flickr

The Nit Wit Ridge has a bit of a funny name, but it’s a tourist attraction for a reason.

It is a large, rustic castle that is perched over the top of a hill. It is a folk-art-type structure built on 2.5 acres of land.

The very second you visit its large expanse, you’ll wonder how such places can exist in California at all!

Feel free to explore the palace and its open rooms.

You’ll be surprised by the dissonance between the old and the new – some ancient aspects linger, mingling with more modern innovations.

It’s truly an experience you have to have at least once in your life.

Address:  881 Hillcrest Dr, Cambria, CA 93428, USA

50. Painted Canyon

Painted Canyon

The Painted Canyons are relatively easy to hike through, so it’s perfect for beginners, or just those who want a more laidback excursion in California.

Visitors to these canyons need to climb ladders to get to where they need to go on this dessert excursion.

The walls of these canyons do, in fact, appear painted – stripes of red, green, pink, gray, and brown are streaked across the walls, pass through crevices and enjoy the surprisingly cool walk through this spot in the Mecca Hills.

It’s a great go-to location for anyone visiting California!

Address:  Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, CA 92254, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To California

The Golden State is definitely one of the best places to visit in the world as it is full of beautiful attractions to feast your senses upon.

The next time you plan a trip to visit this enchanting state, make sure you make the time to stop at some of these places to go in California!

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in California

Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

California is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States, both for Americans and international travelers. Vibrant cities, beaches, amusement parks, and natural wonders like nowhere else on Earth make California an intriguing land of possibilities for travel.

The gateway cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles are home to some of the state's most well-known sites, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Hollywood and Disneyland. This is also where many of the top cultural attractions can be found.

But the national parks, encompassing mountains, forests, desert, coastal areas, and islands, offer their own outstanding experiences. The tallest and largest trees on Earth, the largest alpine lake in North America, and the famous sites of Yosemite, offer once in a lifetime opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Whether you are interested in doing a road trip, taking a family vacation, enjoying a city escape, or just looking to do some sightseeing, begin with our list of the top attractions in California.

1. San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge

2. yosemite national park, 3. disneyland, 4. death valley national park, 6. lake tahoe, 7. sequoia and kings canyon national parks, 8. redwood national and state parks, 9. joshua tree national park, 10. universal studios hollywood, 11. hearst castle, 12. santa catalina island, 13. channel islands national park, 14. the getty center los angeles, 15. palm springs aerial tramway, 16. griffith observatory, 17. uss midway museum.

One of the most beautiful cities in America, San Francisco should be on everyone's must-see list. The ocean and hills provide a stunning natural setting, but the quaint neighborhoods, historic sites, green spaces, inspiring cultural institutions, and relaxed attitude are what truly make this city special.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the key sights and what many people call to mind when they think of the San Francisco, and even California. The orange frame against the blue water of San Francisco Bay, or rising out of the fog that often covers the area is an unforgettable sight. You can appreciate the bridge from afar or, for a more personal experience, drive over it, walk on it, or even bike across it.

Other popular tourist attractions include Fisherman's Wharf and the infamous Alcatraz Island. This former jail is now a national park and well worth a visit. Ferries leave for the island from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf.

If you have time to explore the city and are up for a little exercise, see some of the sights on foot . Families traveling with children will find a world of activities to entertain youngsters and even older children with our article on things to do with kids in San Francisco .

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco
• 1-Day, 2-Day, & 3-Day San Francisco Itineraries
• Top Day Trips from San Francisco

Yosemite National Park in Northern California is one of the United States' most scenic and most visited national parks. The mountains, valleys, rivers, and spectacular waterfalls have drawn tourists, artists, and athletes here for decades. For nature lovers, a visit here is one of the best things to do in California .

Most of the key sights and things to do in Yosemite National Park are in Yosemite Valley. Carved by glaciers during the last ice age, the granite walls and huge waterfalls are some of the most outstanding features in the park. This is where you'll find the big name attractions, like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan.

Beyond the Valley are the Tioga Road and the Glacier Point Road, both of which offer access to alpine areas, lookout points, and incredible views. Sometimes overlooked by tourists but also definitely worth seeing are the giant sequoias. The largest stand is located in Mariposa Grove, in the southern part of the park.

One of the best ways to explore Yosemite is to get out into the landscape on some of the incredible hiking trails . These range from easy walks along streams and lakes to life-altering trails that will take you to the tops of mountain peaks and to famous landmark sites. If you are spending a few nights and want to set up here for a while, you'll also find a number of outstanding campgrounds in Yosemite and the surrounding area .

• From San Francisco to Yosemite: Best Ways to Get There
• From Los Angeles to Yosemite: Best Ways to Get There

Disneyland, located in Anaheim, is California's premier family destination and one of the top family vacation destinations in the US . This massive amusement park is home to all kinds of rides, games, shows, and entertainment, complete with restaurants and hotels. The park is a combination of theme rides and recreated worlds and cultures. You can find shows and other entertainment designed for both children and adults.

Long line ups and wait times have been reduced somewhat by the invention of FastPass+, which gives you the ability to book specific ride times, a hug with a character, and entertainment events. However, when kids are out of school, either for the summer, Christmas, spring break, or any other holiday, you can be sure that the park will be very busy.

Keep in mind there is more to Disneyland than just the parks. The entire Disneyland resort experience features hotels, dining, shopping at the Downtown Disney District, and the Disney Adventure Park. Although the parks are definitely what your children are here to see, you'll find something fun for everyone in the family.

Official site: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

Death Valley National Park contains some of California's most inhospitable terrain, with extreme heat that has left this desert area strangely beautiful. Salt fields, dry parched land, sand dunes, mountains, unique rock formations, and a lake that lies below sea level create a unique landscape in this remote valley.

Some of the easiest to reach highlights in Death Valley are the sand dunes near Stove Pipe Wells, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Dantes View. These and others are all easy to reach with a regular vehicle. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can head out to more remote places like The Race Track.

Death Valley can be done as a day trip from Las Vegas, Nevada , but there is so much to do here, you may want to plan on spending more time. You can drive through the park and stop at lookouts; hike short trails; see the ruins of the valley's former industry; and even paddle in the shallow Badwater Lake, if there is any water in the lake at that time.

• Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Death Valley, CA
• Best National Parks in California

This beautiful stretch along the Central Coast of California offers a chance to get back to nature. Camping and hiking at Garrapata State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are some of the best places for these pursuits.

Big Sur begins about four miles south of Carmel in Yankee Point and stretches along the Highway No. 1 as far as Salmon Cove, some 17 miles north of San Simeon. This scenic road offers splendid views over the picturesque coastline. To the east stretches a true wilderness - the Santa Lucia Mountains and Ventana Forests, with more than 220 miles of trails.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great place for hikers, sunbathers, and those looking for a nature escape. The park has camping facilities and, for anyone looking for a little more comfort, the Big Sur Lodge offers a peaceful retreat in a superb location. One of the highlights in the park is Pfeiffer Falls, which is reached by the Valley View Trail. A branch off this trail leads to the Valley Overlook with views that extend to the ocean and the Big Sur River Valley.

Garrapata State Park is another popular area of Big Sur. The main attraction here is Garrapata Beach, a long, wide, crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand. Waves here can be big, and it may not be the best for swimming but it's great for taking a stroll and soaking up the sun. For those looking to get a little exercise, there are also day hiking trails in the park providing fabulous views of the coastline, mountains, and redwoods.

Stunning Lake Tahoe lies high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is a popular year-round vacation destination in California. Lake Tahoe is about more than just the lake, it's the forests and mountains, small towns, and multitude of activities the area offers.

The blue lake, with its turquoise coves and surrounding mountains, is a summer playground for boaters, beach goers, campers, and nature lovers. The beautiful beaches and shallow coves are some of the main draws for families visiting the area in summer. Places like D.H. Bliss State Park and Kings Beach State Recreation Area are popular beaching destinations around Lake Tahoe.

You'll find outstanding hiking trails for all abilities in the mountains and along the shoreline. Campgrounds in the area are also excellent, with many in beachfront locations or wooded areas. Much of the summertime action is centered around the beaches. In winter, the focus shifts to the ski resorts.

Lake Tahoe is also California's premiere skiing destination, with several popular ski resorts . During the winter, skiers from across the United States descend on the area to take advantage of the incredible terrain and great snow conditions.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions at Lake Tahoe

Home to the largest trees on Earth, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are bucket-list destinations . The sequoias here are the largest living things in the world, and many of them are more than 2,000 years old, with some even more than 3,000 years old.

These adjacent parks cover an area of mountains with majestic granite peaks, deep gorges, lakes, rivers, and forests, but they are quite different from each other. If you are planning on visiting both parks, you will need at least a couple of days.

Although both parks are home to the giant sequoias, Sequoia National Park is arguably the best place to visit these ancient wonders. Easy walking trails, many of them paved, meander through the trees and provide easy access to the major sites. This park is also home to Mt. Whitney, which at 14,495 feet is the highest mountain in the US (apart from Alaska).

You can find some beautiful campgrounds in Sequoia National Park , many of which are well positioned for visiting the trees and other attractions, like Moro Rock, and the famous giant sequoia known as General Sherman Tree.

Kings Canyon National Park is more rugged and wild, with jagged peaks, roaring rivers, and remote sections where you can escape the crowds and enjoy nature. This is a popular park for hiking. You'll also find some incredible campgrounds in Kings Canyon , both close to the trees, in the Grant Grove area, and in the Cedar Grove area at the far end of the 26-mile Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Walking through a forest of giant redwoods, towering more than 300 feet above you, feels like entering another era. Descendants of trees from the Jurassic Period, these are the tallest trees on the planet, and they are truly one of California's greatest treasures.

These jointly managed parks, which include Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, stretch out along a spectacular portion of Northern California Coast. Each offers something a little different, but in all of them you can find great hiking trails and beautiful campgrounds .

Joshua trees bring a type of magic to this otherwise lunar-like landscape, where giant boulders and rock formations create wild shapes that capture the imagination. The park covers 800,000 acres and offers a range of diverse sites that include much more than just the Joshua trees.

The Cholla Cactus Garden , where chollas stretch out endlessly along the hillside to the mountains beyond, the ruins of the historic Keys Ranch , the giant palms of the Lost Palms Oasis, and the vista from over 5,000 feet at Keys View are just some of the highlights. Also don't miss Skull Rock ; a huge rock resembling an alien skull.

If you are going to stay awhile, you may want to consider spending a night under the stars and trees at one of the fabulous campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park .

Joshua Tree National Park is less than a three-hour drive from Los Angeles and less than an hour from Palm Springs.

• Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
• Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

This amusement park and movie studio is one of the most popular attractions in California, and the perfect place for families with older children and teens. Rides and sets are based on famous movies, with everything from shockingly realistic simulator rides to roller coasters, and much more.

You can tour huge sets on studio tours. Some of the most popular experiences in the park are The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Fast and Furious - Supercharged, Jurassic World, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Walking Dead Attraction, among others. You'll also find dining, shows, shopping opportunities, and various events held throughout the year.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

Hearst Castle, officially known as the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, was started in 1919 and built over a 28-year period, resulting in a mix of architectural styles that make it quirky and stately all at the same time. Built by newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst, the 165-room castle was never completed.

It sits atop a hill at an elevation of 1,600 feet and offers fantastic views out over the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Range. One of the major attractions here is the immense collection of art. At one time, the castle was home to the world's largest private zoo, and to this day, zebras and other exotic wildlife can be seen wandering the grounds.

The castle is located almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Drive time from either city is approximately four hours.

Official site: http://hearstcastle.org/

Part of the Channel Islands, Santa Catalina lies about 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles. The island is a popular destination with boaters and day trippers. Avalon is the main population center and where most of the action is centered. On the other end of the island is the much smaller village of Two Harbours.

While most people come to Santa Catalina Island to wander around and enjoy a day of leisure, other popular things to do include glass bottom boat tours, scuba diving, kayaking, and parasailing. You can reach the island by ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point.

Channel Islands National Park, made up of five individual islands, is a great place to see wildlife and a little undisturbed nature. Having always been isolated from the mainland, the islands have developed independently, and as a result, have many endemic animals.

The islands are located off the Southern California coast and are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes, or private boats. You can learn about current conditions and arrange transport at the mainland visitor centers located in Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park, CA

The Getty Center is one of the premier museums in the United States. The museum holds treasures by great artists like Monet and Van Gogh, along with sculptures and other beautiful forms of art prior to 1900.

A visit here is also about the architecture and grounds of the museum itself. The building flows and undulates in a shimmering curtain of white, while out front, intricate gardens and waterfalls complete the scene. Be sure to check out the amazing views out over Los Angeles from one of the many patios.

Admission to the Getty Center is free.

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California

Official site: https://www.getty.edu/

If you've ever wanted to lie by the pool in the morning and make snow angels in the afternoon, put a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on your list of California things to do. California's desert regions are all about elevation. The higher you go, the colder it gets. In the spring, the pool and snow combo is easily accomplished.

The tramway runs for two miles and ascends up to an elevation of 8,516 feet on the slopes of Mount Jacinto. The tramway is unique in its design; each of the trams rotate as they ascend, allowing for uninterrupted views across a 360-degree panorama. In fact, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest of its kind in the world.

At the top, choose to be active by walking or hiking on the 50 miles of trails, or more sedate by enjoying a spectacular view over lunch or dinner at one of the two restaurants. This area offers some of the best hiking around Palm Springs .

Address: 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, California

Official site: https://pstramway.com/

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Palm Springs

One of California's greatest free attractions is the Griffith Observatory. Perched high on Mount Hollywood and overlooking the city of Los Angeles, this iconic California attraction offers not only fantastic views out over the city but also the opportunity to learn about the heavens.

Inside the observatory are six galleries devoted to all aspects of space and how we observe it. In addition to the galleries are the public telescopes, allowing you to view the heavens in a way you've never imagined.

Even if all that doesn't interest you, the parking lot is an excellent spot to get a photo of the Hollywood sign.

Address: 2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, California

Official site: https://griffithobservatory.org/

If you've ever wanted to explore a giant aircraft carrier and find yourself in San Diego, you are in luck. Moored right in the center of the action, the USS Midway Museum is a real-life WWII ship that has been converted to a hands-on museum.

An ideal family thing to do in San Diego , this is no boring museum. Here, you and your crew will be walking down narrow passageways, climbing ladders, and descending into the bowels of the ship. Throughout the ship are more than 60 exhibits, 29 restored aircraft, a theater, and flight simulators. Plan for three to four hours for your visit.

Address: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California

Official site: https://www.midway.org/

More on California

25 Beautiful Places to Visit in California (Vacation Spots Not to Miss!)

From redwood forests in the north to vast deserts in the south, a stunning coastline in the west to the craggy mountain peaks and alpine lakes in the east, the sheer diversity of the most beautiful places to visit in California is mind-boggling.

With more national parks than any other state in the USA and hundreds of must-explore state parks, the Golden State offers visitors an unparalleled experience when it comes to getting close to nature.

The most captivating towns and cities to visit in California are no less enticing.

Cities like San Francisco and LA are home to renowned landmarks, world-class museums and gardens, distinctive neighborhoods, and excellent eateries.

Coastal towns like Monterey, Mendocino, and Morro Bay will charm you with their relaxed coastal vibes and the opportunity to look for marine life.

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Whether you choose an epic  California road trip   as a means to explore the best of the state, or you choose one (or a few) places to visit, the Golden State will wow you at every turn.

While covering every fantastic weekend getaway in California would require a book, not just a blog post, we’ve curated this guide to include some of the best California vacation spots from every category, from major cities to national parks.

Here are some of the absolute best places to visit in California!

This California travel guide was written for Our Escape Clause by Golden State local Dhara from Roadtripping California . Thanks for joining us, Dhara!

Table of Contents

The Best Nature Getaways in California

Iconic california cities for weekend getaways, the best small towns in california to visit.

One of the most spectacular stretches of coastline on the planet, Big Sur is definitely among the best places to visit in California.

Hiking is one of the most popular  things to do in Big Sur .

As you walk, enjoy the jaw-dropping vistas and wildflowers in season, and look for birds and wildlife.

Stop to snap photos of the striking Bixby Creek Bridge and the picture-postcard McWay Falls.

Look for purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, have lunch with a view at Nepenthe Restaurant, and walk among the redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Yosemite National Park

One of the country’s most-visited national parks, Yosemite National Park is famous for its towering granite domes and rock formations, and its many breathtaking waterfalls.

Tunnel View and Glacier Point, two of the most visited vista point in the park, offer fabulous views of some of the park’s best features, including Half Dome and El Capitan.

Walk the easy trail to the bottom of Yosemite Falls.

From the viewing area at the base, you can see both the Lower Fall and the Upper Fall, a total length of 2,425 astonishing feet!

Yosemite offers many epic hiking trails, including to the top of Half Dome, rock climbing, biking, scenic driving, and camping.

The largest alpine lake in the country, Lake Tahoe straddles the California-Nevada border and offers a variety of recreation opportunities in all four seasons.

Visit in the winter for world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding, and other winter sports like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling.

In the warmer months, you can relax at one of the many beaches along the shore, hike, drive the scenic road around the lake, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or take a cruise.

Surrounding places like South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City make excellent bases and rank among the best mountain towns in California .

Regardless of what time of year you visit, there’s no doubt that Lake Tahoe is one of the top California vacation spots!

Death Valley National Park

Home to the lowest point in North America, and famous as the hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park is a must-visit for its majestic landscapes.

Sunrise is a wonderful time to visit Zabriskie Point, to watch the sun’s rays paint the badlands gold.

Also, be sure to drive up to Dante’s View for panoramas of the valley.

The enormous salt flat at Badwater Basin, the multi-hued mineral deposits of Artist’s Palette, and the sand dunes at Mesquite Flat are other unmissable sights in the park.

Given its infamy as one of the hottest places on Earth, Death Valley NP is best visited in the winter.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

At Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, prepare to gape in amazement at the size of the giant sequoias!

The General Sherman Tree, in Sequoia National Park, and the General Grant Tree, in Kings Canyon National Park, are the two largest trees in the world.

Both parks offer stunning scenery, with rock formations, mountains, canyons, and waterfalls, and the road that connects the two parks is very scenic.

Joshua Tree National Park

A hugely popular rock scrambling (and climbing) destination in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its magnificent rock formations and its namesake Joshua trees.

Straddling two deserts, the Colorado and the Mojave, Joshua Tree National Park has many hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty, to help you experience the park’s scenery, flora, and fauna up close.

You can also tour Keys Ranch, the former homestead of Bill Keys, one of the area’s prominent early settlers, and take in the panoramic views at sunset from Keys View.

Don’t miss the otherworldly sunrises at the Cholla Cactus Garden while you’re there–this is one of the most unique places in CA to visit!

San Francisco

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, should definitely top your San Francisco weekend itinerary if you are visiting for the first time.

Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy, but it makes for a fun stroll, with the many shops and restaurants, the street performers, and the cute sea lions at Pier 39.

Be sure to explore San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods as part of your visit!

Wander through the largest Chinatown outside Asia, enjoy great Italian cuisine in North Beach, or take in the 60s vibes in Haight-Ashbury.

And allow plenty of time for Golden Gate Park during your trip to San Francisco.

Visit the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden and tour the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, too.

A city that has the charming vibes of a coastal town, Monterey is one of the best places in the world to go whale-watching.

And on a cruise, you will very likely see other marine life as well: dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, and more.

In downtown Monterey, Cannery Row is touristy but makes for a fun stroll.

Once upon a time a center of sardine canning (the street is named after Steinbeck’s  Cannery Row ), today it boasts shops, restaurants, hotels, and even a couple of beaches.

Visiting the aquarium is one of the top  things to do in Monterey .

Huge tanks offer stunning views of the flora and fauna of the ocean.

It’s a very popular attraction, so time your visit for a weekday or early in the day.

Be sure to include the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach on your itinerary for Monterey.

With its spectacular ocean views, it is one of California’s most scenic drives.

Santa Barbara

Gracious Santa Barbara is one of California’s must-visit vacation spots.

Its Mediterranean tiled roofs have earned it the nickname of the “American Riviera.”

Downtown Santa Barbara is both lively and elegant.

Stroll State Street for shopping, wine tasting, and dining.

You’ll find more top-notch restaurants and wine tasting in the nearby Funk Zone, where you can also admire the street art.

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-visit, both for the beautiful murals and tile work inside, and for the superb 360-degree views from the Clock Tower.

Old Mission Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful Spanish missions in California.

Also do not miss the Presidio, the fort built by the Spanish, where you can see two of the original adobe buildings.

Los Angeles

From the glamor of Hollywood to the beaches of Malibu and the vibrant vibes of downtown LA, there is no doubt that the City of Angels is one of the best places to visit in California.

But it’s also true that Los Angeles traffic is the stuff of nightmares.

So plan your sightseeing wisely, sticking to one area each day, to minimize time spent just sitting in traffic.

Hollywood is a must if it’s your first visit, although it isn’t as glamorous as it used to be.

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and snap a photo of the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning views over the city. You also have a great view of the Hollywood Sign from the observatory!

Head to Santa Monica to admire the giant Ferris wheel and stroll the bluff path at Palisades Park.

Nearby Venice Beach offers excellent people watching on the boardwalk, where you can also watch street performers, shop, and eat.

Known for its year-round beautiful weather, San Diego is one of the best vacation spots in California for couples, families, solo travelers, or groups.

It has something for everyone!

The sprawling Balboa Park, in the heart of downtown, offers multiple gardens and museums.

All but one of the gardens are free, and the beautiful architecture invites wandering.

Take the ferry to Coronado Island, where you can enjoy the beautiful silver sand beach and stroll the little town.

Be sure to leave room in your itinerary for two of San Diego’s most lively neighborhoods: Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy.

Both areas boast exceptional eateries and excellent people watching!

Palm Springs

The gateway city to the California desert, Palm Springs is known for its many resorts, golf courses, and spas.

But it is also a great destination to enjoy the outdoors!

Taking the aerial tram to the upper station on Mount San Jacinto is one of the  best things to do in Palm Springs .

The views over the desert floor are breathtaking, and there are several hiking trails to walk at the top.

Hike one or more of the palm oases at Indian Canyons or the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve. Tour the beautiful desert gardens at Sunnylands.

Enjoy the shops and restaurants on Palm Canyon Drive, and stop to take a tour of the mid-century modern homes and buildings.

And be sure to enjoy a date shake while you are in Palm Springs!

Located just south of Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, Arcata offers history, charm, and oodles of natural beauty, from redwoods to sand dunes.

Admire Jacoby’s Storehouse, the only building left from the original structures built by early settlers in the mid-19th century.

Today, it houses shops and restaurants.

Enjoy a movie at the Minor Theatre, which dates back to 1914!

Stay in the historic Hotel Arcata , which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also dates to the early 1900s.

Located along the rugged Northern California coast, charming Mendocino is one of the most beautiful coastal places to visit in CA.

While the village makes for a pleasant wander, take the time to explore the many state parks around the town.

You can walk among redwoods, hike through pygmy forests, and enjoy stunning ocean views.

At Glass Beach in nearby Fort Bragg, look for colored glass honed by the waves from bottles tossed into the ocean as trash years ago.

The captivating town of Sonoma is located at the southern end of Sonoma Valley, one of California’s top wine country destinations.

It boasts a historic plaza and excellent farm-to-table restaurants.

Sonoma State Historic Park is an aggregation of several sites, some of which you can see right along the plaza in downtown Sonoma.

Also in the plaza is the historic (and photogenic!) Sebastiani Theatre.

There are several beautiful wineries you can tour in and around Sonoma, not only for their wine but also for their architecture and gardens.

A quaint town located at the northern end of California’s famed Napa Valley, Calistoga is best known for its mud baths and thermal mineral pools.

It even has a geyser!

Downtown Calistoga makes for a nice walk, with many boutique stores, art galleries, eateries, and wine tasting rooms.

Shop for artisanal foods like olive oils, honey, and teas.

You’ll find many beautiful wineries around Calistoga if you want to do a tasting tour!

A small coastal town located just south of Santa Cruz in Central California, Capitola is known for its colorful Instagram-worthy facades and beautiful beaches.

If you’re looking for a colorful, whimsical beach town, add Capitola to your list of California vacation spots to visit soon.

Sandy Capitola Beach is popular and can get crowded, but drive a short distance out to New Brighton State Beach for an equally beautiful but less crowded experience on nice weather days.

Stroll Capitola Village to browse the many cute boutique shops and art galleries.

Snag a table with a water view for dinner!

Many restaurants have patios with amazing views of Monterey Bay.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just one square mile in size, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the cutest places to visit in California.

You’ll find European-style boutiques, many art galleries, and excellent dining and wine tasting in the village.

Carmel Beach is a gorgeous stretch of white sand that’s perfect for a long walk.

Scenic Road, just above the beach, makes for a beautiful walk or drive as well.

Just south of Carmel, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most scenic state parks in California, with many nature trails with views of the ocean.

Morro Bay has a charming fishing village feel.

It offers great beaches, scenic hiking trails, and some of the best wildlife viewing and birdwatching along the California coast.

Admire Morro Rock, a giant volcanic plug that lies just offshore and towers over the little town.

You can walk right up to the rock and look for nesting peregrine falcons.

In town, enjoy fresh-caught seafood at one of many waterfront eateries.

Browse the shops and galleries along the Embarcadero, and admire the many murals.

The Danish-themed village of Solvang is part of the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, known as a wine country destination just outside Santa Barbara.

In downtown Solvang, snap photos of the beautiful Danish architecture, look for Denmark-inspired landmarks (including a Little Mermaid!), and sample aebleskivers.

There are several Danish bakeries if you want to indulge your sweet tooth and numerous wine tasting rooms.

From Solvang, you can also tour plenty of local California wineries.

Where to Stay in Solvang, California

• Hotel Corque: This stylish boutique hotel is a short walk to Old Mission Santa Inés. Rooms are colorful and spacious, and there is a pretty garden to enjoy drinks.
• The Winston: Beautifully decorated, luxurious and perfectly located to explore the town.

Laguna Beach

One of the prettiest beach towns in Orange County, Laguna Beach has that perfect laid-back California coastal town ambiance.

But there’s also plenty to do here!

Crystal Cove State Park has more than three miles of pristine beach.

But also across the road from the water, the park contains many acres of beautiful wilderness, with trails offering stellar ocean views.

Laguna Beach is known for its public art installations.

Grab a map at the visitor center and go on a self-guided tour to enjoy it!

Avalon is one of two towns on Santa Catalina Island, one of the Channel Islands that lie off the coast of Southern California.

Accessed by ferry, Avalon makes for a wonderful California getaway.

Avalon offers a wealth of recreational activities in or on the water.

Go swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, or take a kayak out to enjoy the scenery from the water.

On land, you can hike, bike, golf, or laze the day away on a sandy beach or in a spa.

Be sure to join a guided tour to explore less-developed parts of the island!

Just north of San Diego, La Jolla is known for its beautiful beaches and its cute sea lions.

But from murals to museums, and hiking to hang gliding, La Jolla offers much more to see and do.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful state parks in California.

Hiking one of the ocean view trails here is a must!

Go shopping on Prospect Street, popularly known as the Rodeo Drive of San Diego.

You’ll find many boutiques and art galleries to browse, as well as great dining.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a popular ski resort town in the Eastern Sierra of California, but it makes for a wonderful getaway in any season.

The scenery, with tall mountains and jewel-blue alpine lakes, is spectacular.

While you’re there, take the scenic gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain for panoramic views.

Be sure to also go boating on one of the many lakes, and hike some of the trails around the lakes and into the mountains.

In the summer and early fall, Devils Postpile National Monument is a must-visit, not only for the unique formation of basalt columns but also for Rainbow Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.

Nevada City

Want to take a step back in time to the California Gold Rush era?

Nevada City is one of several Gold Rush-themed towns you can visit in California’s Gold Country.

In downtown Nevada City, admire the old west facades and the many historic buildings, including a much-photographed firehouse from 1861 and the state’s oldest continuously operated hotel.

Just a few miles out is Empire Mine State Historic Park, the site of one of the richest gold mines in California. You can tour some of the mine buildings, and the historic home and gardens of the mine’s owner. 

For travelers interested in the famous Gold Rush, Nevada City is definitely one of the best places to visit in California.

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20 Best Places To Visit In California (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for the best places to visit in California? Find out our 20 favorite and must-visit destinations in the Golden State!

California is truly one of the most diverse states in the USA. With major cities, small towns, snow-capped mountains, ancient redwood trees, alpine lakes, idyllic beaches, sand dunes, rolling hills, and so much more, there are some awe-inspiring places in the Golden State.

Though you could spend years uncovering all of California’s wonders, we’ve narrowed down a list of the 20 best places to visit in California.

From seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to touring Balboa Park in San Diego , there are many fabulous cities around California waiting to be explored.

Or if you’re more into adventure activities like rock climbing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, or hiking, California is home to some world-class national parks where you can immerse yourself in nature.

Whether you want to surf in the Pacific and admire the Santa Monica Pier, or admire monstrous redwood and sequoias like the General Sherman Tree, California has something for everyone!

Read next: The Ultimate Los Angeles To San Diego Drive Itinerary

Table of Contents

1. Los Angeles

2. joshua tree national park, 3. lake tahoe, 4. santa barbara, 5. yosemite national park, 6. san francisco, 7. sequoia national park, 8. palm springs, 9. san diego, 10. napa valley, 11. laguna beach, 12. death valley national park, 13. carmel by the sea, 14. kings canyon national park, 15. santa monica, 16. big sur, 17. santa cruz, 18. mammoth lakes, 19. redwood national park, 20. sacramento, best places to visit in california.

From touring Old Town San Diego, to embarking on scenic hiking trails in Yosemite, Joshua Tree, or Kings Canyon National Parks, you will never run out of things to do in the beautiful state of California!

Of course, there are many more worthwhile destinations that haven’t made our list of the best places to visit in California. But this is just an overview! Consider road-tripping around California or spending a few weeks in a big city like Los Angeles or San Francisco and taking a bunch of day trips !

However you choose to explore California, make sure you include some of these fabulous locations in your itinerary!

First on our list of the best places to visit in California is the world-famous city of Los Angeles .

Los Angeles, often referred to as LA, is a sprawling metropolis nestled on the western coast of the United States. Renowned for its vibrant cultural diversity, iconic landmarks, and entertainment industry, LA stands as a global hub of creativity and innovation.

The city’s allure lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the glamorous with the everyday, where towering palm trees line sun-kissed boulevards leading to world-famous beaches like Huntington and Venice.

Home to Hollywood , the epicenter of the movie and television industry, LA exudes an unmistakable cinematic charm, attracting dreamers and artists from around the world in pursuit of stardom and success. Visits to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and Warner Bros Studios are a must when exploring Hollywood!

Amid the urban sprawl, Downtown Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines. Art and creativity flourish here, with a multitude of museums, galleries, and street art murals dotting the landscape.

The Getty Center, perched atop a hill, showcases impressive art collections spanning centuries, while the Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosts a diverse range of exhibitions.

You can admire the city from above at Griffith Park, where an amazing observatory boasts excellent views.

From the iconic Hollywood Sign to the stunning Griffith Park, Los Angeles encapsulates the essence of the American Dream and continues to captivate hearts and minds as a city of endless possibilities.

Joshua Tree National Park, a mesmerizing desert expanse located in Southern California, is a place of otherworldly beauty and stark contrasts. Covering over 790,000 acres, the park is characterized by its striking landscape, where the high Mojave Desert and the low Colorado Desert converge.

The park’s namesake, the Joshua Tree, stands as an iconic symbol of the region, with its spiky, twisted branches reaching skyward. These peculiar trees punctuate the arid landscape alongside massive boulders and rugged rock formations that seem to emerge as if sculpted by an artist’s hand.

These unique geological features attract rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the challenging terrain and the surreal vistas that stretch for miles in all directions.

Beyond its geological marvels, Joshua Tree National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a paradise for stargazers. The absence of light pollution allows for a celestial spectacle, where the night sky comes alive with an awe-inspiring display of stars, planets, and celestial bodies.

From the rugged landscapes that seem to belong to another planet to the serene beauty of the desert’s flora and fauna, Joshua Tree National Park offers an escape into a realm of raw natural beauty, providing an opportunity for solitude, reflection, and a deep connection with the mysteries of the universe.

Read next: The 25 Best Things To Do In Southern California

Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is a shimmering jewel that spans the border between California and Nevada in the United States.

Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and crystal-clear waters, Lake Tahoe attracts visitors year-round, offering a diverse range of recreational activities against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery.

In the warmer months, the lake becomes a playground for water enthusiasts, with opportunities for swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing.

The pristine beaches that encircle the lake provide a serene escape, while the surrounding trails cater to hikers and mountain bikers, leading to panoramic viewpoints that showcase the lake’s vivid blue hues against the majestic mountains.

Lake Tahoe’s allure extends into the winter season, transforming into a winter wonderland that draws skiers and snowboarders from across the globe. The area boasts numerous world-class ski resorts, such as Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Northstar, offering powdery slopes and a variety of winter sports experiences.

South Lake Tahoe, with its lively casino scene, contrasts with the more tranquil and charming ambiance of North Lake Tahoe’s communities. A sightseeing cruise around South Lake Tahoe is the best way to soak in the scenery of the surrounding Emerald Bay State Park, a gorgeous alpine area that often graces the covers of postcards.

Whether you want to bask in the summer sun on the lake’s shores or carve through fresh powder in the winter, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the USA and one of the best places to visit in California!

Another gem of the Golden State is Santa Barbara . Known for its stunning Mediterranean-style architecture, picturesque landscapes, and laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, Santa Barbara is often referred to as the “American Riviera”.

The city’s iconic red-tiled roofs, white stucco buildings, and lush gardens create a scenic backdrop that evokes the feeling of a Mediterranean coastal town. Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning landmark of the area that showcases the intriguing architecture and design.

Stearns Wharf, extending into the ocean, offers a blend of shops, restaurants, and panoramic views of the coastline, while the historic State Street serves as the bustling heart of downtown, lined with boutiques, galleries, and eateries.

Santa Barbara’s stunning nature is a major draw, with pristine beaches like East Beach and Butterfly Beach providing opportunities for sunbathing, surfing, and sunset strolls.

The Santa Ynez Mountains, which form a stunning backdrop, are home to hiking trails that offer breathtaking vistas of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural surroundings is evident in its parks and botanical gardens, such as Lotusland and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

With a rich cultural scene, including renowned music festivals and art galleries, Santa Barbara seamlessly blends sophistication with a relaxed coastal lifestyle and is one of the top tourist attractions in California.

Yosemite National Park stands as a crown jewel among America’s national parks, a pristine wilderness in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California that boasts an extraordinary range of natural wonders.

Famous for its towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoia trees, and cascading waterfalls, Yosemite’s beauty has captivated visitors for generations.

The iconic El Capitan and Half Dome formations dominate the skyline, drawing climbers from around the world to test their skills on these monumental rocks. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife, from black bears and mule deer to rare species like the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

The serene meadows, dense forests, and alpine lakes add to the park’s captivating diversity, offering visitors an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, and photography.

Yosemite’s waterfalls are among its most enchanting features, with Yosemite Falls being one of the tallest in North America. Bridalveil Fall, Horsetail Fall, and Vernal Fall are other notable cascades that grace the landscape.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias showcases some of the world’s largest trees, including the Grizzly Giant and the Tunnel Tree. Driving along the scenic routes of Yosemite Valley, including Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, provides access to panoramic vistas that truly showcase the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada.

Whether it’s gazing at a starlit sky in the high alpine meadows, hiking among ancient giants, or marveling at the incredible Half Dome, Yosemite National Park encapsulates the essence of nature and makes a lasting impression on all who visit.

Another one of the best places to visit in California is the vibrant and innovative city of San Francisco. Known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the city is characterized by its dramatic fog-shrouded bay, cable cars climbing steep streets, and an eclectic mix of neighborhoods each with its own distinct character.

The bustling Fisherman’s Wharf offers waterfront attractions, fresh seafood, and the lively atmosphere of Pier 39, while the historic Alcatraz Island invites visitors to explore its notorious former prison.

Chinatown, with its ornate architecture and vibrant markets, immerses visitors in a world of cultural immersion, while the bohemian enclave of Haight-Ashbury captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture.

San Francisco’s innovation-driven economy is underscored by its reputation as a global tech hub, being home to Silicon Valley and numerous tech giants. The city also boasts a rich arts scene, with world-class museums such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the de Young Museum .

Plus, the entire San Francisco Bay Area is packed with natural wonders, like Golden Gate Park and the national historic landmark of the John Muir Wilderness .

From the Golden Gate Bridge, to the local markets, to the nearby wilderness areas, San Francisco has so much to offer and it’s one of the highlights of Northern California.

Check out our ultimate 3 days in San Francisco itinerary for more ideas on how to explore the city!

Sequoia National Park, situated in the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a sanctuary of ancient giants and pristine wilderness.

The park is most famous for its awe-inspiring groves of giant sequoia trees, some of which are among the largest living organisms on Earth.

Towering sentinels like the General Sherman Tree stand as testaments to the passage of time, with their colossal trunks and branches reaching skyward. The landscape is a mix of towering peaks, deep canyons, and alpine meadows, providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers.

Beyond the trees, Sequoia National Park is home to diverse ecosystems, from the lush meadows of Crescent Meadow to the towering granite walls of the High Sierra.

Crystal-clear rivers and lakes like the Marble Fork and Pear Lake attract anglers and offer tranquil spots for reflection. The park’s rugged terrain is laced with hiking trails that cater to various skill levels, leading adventurers to stunning vistas, hidden waterfalls, and pristine backcountry landscapes.

The underground world of Sequoia extends to its extensive cave system, with Crystal Cave being a popular destination for guided tours. This national park is a realm of natural wonders, where the ancient meets the contemporary, and where visitors can forge connections with the wild and experience the profound beauty of the natural world.

Palm Springs is a desert oasis located in Southern California’s Coachella Valley. With its iconic mid-century modern architecture, the city exudes a timeless charm that has attracted celebrities, artists, and vacationers for decades.

Visitors often indulge in rejuvenating experiences at the area’s world-class resorts and spas, which offer lavish accommodations, therapeutic treatments, and opportunities to lounge by elegant poolside settings.

Palm Springs also caters to outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous golf courses, hiking trails, and opportunities for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors on a breathtaking journey up the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the cooler alpine forests of Mount San Jacinto State Park, offering panoramic views that span for miles.

The city’s vibrant downtown area boasts a mix of boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet dining establishments, creating a hub of cultural activity.

From the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival to the Modernism Week celebration of mid-century design, the city’s cultural events attract enthusiasts from around the world.

Whether it’s indulging in leisure, exploring the natural surroundings, or embracing artistic and cultural experiences, Palm Springs continues to captivate with its distinct blend of relaxation and sophistication.

Find more things to do in Palm Springs with our complete guide !

Another one of the best places to visit in California is San Diego . Known for its idyllic weather, pristine beaches, and diverse cultural offerings, the city offers a well-rounded experience for both residents and visitors.

Downtown San Diego hosts some incredible tourist attractions. The iconic Balboa Park is a cultural oasis, housing museums, gardens, and the renowned San Diego Zoo.

The Gaslamp Quarter, with its historic architecture and vibrant nightlife, contrasts with the serene beauty of La Jolla, where the rugged coastline meets upscale boutiques and art galleries.

History lovers can check out the USS Midway Museum which showcases San Diego’s rich naval history. Another highlight is the nearby Coronado Island offers a charming retreat with its Victorian architecture and sandy beaches.

San Diego’s coastal allure is epitomized by its stunning beaches like Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and the aptly named Sunset Cliffs, where dramatic cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Surfers, sunbathers, and beachgoers alike are drawn to the city’s coastal stretches.

From the San Diego Zoo, to the sea caves of La Jolla , to the unique neighborhoods of downtown, San Diego is a highlight of Southern California.

Napa Valley, located in Northern California, is a world-renowned wine region that beckons wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a refined blend of culinary excellence, picturesque landscapes, and leisurely exploration.

This iconic valley is home to some of the finest wineries and vineyards in the United States, producing a diverse array of wines that have earned Napa a prominent spot on the global wine map.

Wine tastings, guided tours , and charming cellar-door experiences allow visitors to immerse themselves in the artistry of winemaking while savoring the flavors of the vineyards.

Beyond its vinicultural allure, Napa Valley boasts a serene and picturesque landscape, characterized by rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and the meandering Napa River.

The Silverado Trail and Highway 29 serve as the main arteries of exploration, leading visitors through a succession of idyllic towns and wineries. The towns of Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga each offer distinct experiences, from gourmet dining establishments and artisan boutiques to relaxing hot springs and hot air balloon rides.

Napa Valley encapsulates a refined blend of sensory pleasures, where each sip, taste, and view reflects the passion and dedication that have defined the region as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of the good life.

Find more of the best things to do in Napa Valley !

Laguna Beach is a quintessential beachside town that radiates a blend of artistic charm, natural beauty, and coastal elegance. With stunning beaches, pristine coves, and turquoise waters, Laguna Beach offers a haven for sun-seekers, surfers, and beach enthusiasts.

Main Beach, with its iconic lifeguard tower and bustling boardwalk, is a central hub for visitors to bask in the sun and enjoy the inviting Pacific waters. The hidden gem of Thousand Steps Beach, accessed via a stairway, offers a more secluded escape and sweeping views of the coastline.

Laguna Beach’s lush hillsides and rugged cliffs provide a striking backdrop to the charming town, while scenic parks like Crystal Cove State Park offer hiking opportunities.

The town’s commitment to preserving nature is evident in the lush Heisler Park, where walking paths wind through beautifully landscaped gardens and along coastal bluffs.

The annual Pageant of the Masters, a unique artistic spectacle where real people recreate famous artworks, is a highlight of the town’s cultural calendar.

With a mix of upscale boutiques, al fresco dining, and a relaxed coastal ambiance, Laguna Beach captures the essence of California’s coastal elegance, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a blend of art, nature, and seaside relaxation.

Consider a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway to combine Laguna Beach with numerous other coastal hotspots in California!

For nature lovers, Death Valley National Park has a unique, other-worldly landscape that is one of the best places to visit in California.

As the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States, Death Valley is characterized by its vast desert expanses, towering sand dunes, and dramatic mountain ranges.

The iconic Badwater Basin salt flats , one of the lowest points in North America, stand as a mesmerizing testament to the park’s extreme conditions.

Zabriskie Point offers panoramic vistas of eroded rock formations and colorful mineral deposits, while Dante’s View provides a breathtaking overlook of the entire valley, highlighting the rugged terrain and vast expanse.

Amid the arid environment, Death Valley surprises with its hidden treasures. Artist’s Palette showcases a kaleidoscope of colors on the hillsides, a result of various mineral deposits.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, with their ever-changing patterns shaped by the wind, invite visitors to explore and photograph the enchanting landscape.

From the mysterious sailing stones of Racetrack Playa to the historic sites that tell tales of human perseverance, Death Valley National Park is a realm of desolate beauty, rugged wilderness, and a reminder of nature’s capacity to shape and endure in the face of extreme conditions.

Another one of the best places to visit in California is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming coastal town in Central California. Known for its quaint architecture, pristine beaches, and artistic atmosphere, Carmel exudes a timeless allure that has attracted artists, writers, and nature enthusiasts for generations.

The village’s cobblestone streets wind through picturesque neighborhoods, where enchanting cottages, boutique shops, and art galleries create a uniquely inviting ambiance.

The iconic Carmel Mission, a historic Spanish mission dating back to the 18th century, stands as a cultural and architectural landmark that adds to the town’s character.

Carmel Beach, with its white sand, cerulean waters, and iconic cypress trees, offers a serene escape for beachgoers and a captivating setting for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The nearby scenic 17-Mile Drive, renowned for its breathtaking coastal vistas and famed landmarks like the Lone Cypress, is a must-do route that offers glimpses of the dramatic coastline and sea cliffs that define the region.

Whether it’s exploring the hidden treasures of the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, strolling through the Fairytale Cottages, or savoring a meal at a cozy restaurant, Carmel-by-the-Sea has an artistic charm that is truly captivating.

Kings Canyon National Park , located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, is a realm of awe-inspiring landscapes and natural grandeur. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are right next to each other, so you can easily explore both in one visit!

Celebrated for its breathtaking canyons, towering peaks, and pristine wilderness areas, Kings Canyon National Park showcases the power of geologic forces over millennia.

The park’s namesake, Kings Canyon, is one of the deepest in North America, with walls that rise dramatically above the Kings River, creating a dramatic backdrop for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

The General Grant Grove of giant sequoias is a testament to the park’s diverse ecosystems, housing some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, including the General Grant Tree, also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree.

Beyond its ancient trees and dramatic canyons, Kings Canyon offers an array of outdoor adventures. The High Sierra backcountry attracts backpackers and mountaineers, with numerous hiking trails leading to pristine alpine lakes, rugged terrain, and breathtaking views from passes like Kearsarge Pass and Glen Pass.

The combination of dramatic geological formations, serene alpine landscapes, and the quiet beauty of the giant sequoias make Kings Canyon National Park a haven for rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and sightseeing.

Another top spot to visit in California is Santa Monica , a lively coastal suburb of Los Angeles. Famous for the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which boasts a historic carousel and a variety of amusements, the city offers a classic beach boardwalk experience combined with stunning ocean views.

The expansive Santa Monica Beach stretches for miles, providing opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. You can even hit the waves with a surf lesson and try to blend in with the locals!

Be sure to visit Third Street Promenade, which has pedestrian-friendly streets and a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Beyond the beachfront, the city is also celebrated for its commitment to healthy living and sustainability. The beachside bike path offers a scenic route for cyclists, while the picturesque Palisades Park offers a tranquil escape with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The bustling Main Street captures the city’s laid-back yet cosmopolitan vibe, with a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy eateries.

With its ideal coastal location, artistic culture, and a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, Santa Monica is a must-visit while exploring LA.

Big Sur, a rugged and breathtaking stretch of California’s central coast along Highway 1, is a place of natural grandeur that captivates with its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and lush wilderness.

Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur offers a landscape of unparalleled beauty.

The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, spanning a deep canyon, serves as an entry point to this awe-inspiring region. McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading onto a secluded beach, is another highlight that encapsulates the magic of Big Sur.

Coastal hikes, like the renowned Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park trail , lead to panoramic viewpoints that showcase the wild beauty of the coastline.

Big Sur’s artistic and bohemian spirit is reflected in its vibrant arts community, with galleries, studios, and workshops nestled within the rugged landscape. The Henry Miller Memorial Library, dedicated to the famous writer, serves as a cultural hub with literary events, performances, and an appreciation for the area’s counter-cultural heritage.

From the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge to the enchanting redwood groves of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, this region offers an escape into the heart of nature’s majesty.

Santa Cruz is a captivating beach town that blends the charm of a coastal getaway with a distinct bohemian spirit.

Known for its iconic Beach Boardwalk, the oldest amusement park in California, Santa Cruz offers a delightful mix of nostalgia, classic rides, and oceanfront fun.

The town’s vibrant Pacific Avenue is lined with eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and laid-back cafes, reflecting its free-spirited and artistic community.

Steeped in surf culture, the town’s pristine beaches like Cowell’s Beach and Pleasure Point attract surfers and beach lovers, while West Cliff Drive provides scenic views of the rugged coastline and the famous Santa Cruz Surfing Museum .

Nearby Natural Bridges State Beach, with its natural rock formations and tide pools, offers a glimpse of the area’s rich coastal ecosystems. The town’s lively music scene and numerous annual events, such as the Santa Cruz Beach Music Festival, reflect its creative and dynamic atmosphere.

From the laid-back beach vibes to the culturally rich downtown, Santa Cruz strikes a harmonious balance between coastal relaxation and a vibrant, artistic community that continues to draw in visitors and residents alike.

Read next: 25 Best Things To Do In Northern California

Located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, Mammoth Lakes is a captivating alpine town that beckons outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its stunning nature and recreational opportunities.

Best known for its world-class ski resort, Mammoth Mountain , the town draws winter adventurers seeking powder-packed slopes and breathtaking mountain vistas.

As the largest ski resort in California, Mammoth offers a range of winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even a snowcat-driven dining experience.

In the warmer months, the town transforms into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers, with trails that wind through pristine forests, meadows, and lakes.

Nearby, Rainbow Falls offers a mesmerizing spectacle as the San Joaquin River cascades over colorful rock formations. The town’s cozy atmosphere is complemented by a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to both adventurers and relaxation seekers.

The tranquil scenery of Mammoth Lakes provides a refreshing escape, while its year-round outdoor offerings make it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and the rejuvenating embrace of nature’s wonders.

Explore more of Northern California with this epic road trip itinerary !

Another one of the best places to visit in California for nature lovers is Redwood National Park. This collection of protected areas is renowned for its towering ancient redwood trees, some of which rank among the tallest and oldest living beings on Earth.

The park’s namesake trees, with their massive trunks and canopy of thick foliage, create a surreal and enchanting forest environment that transports visitors to a prehistoric era.

Fern Canyon, with its lush greenery and crystal-clear stream, is a magical setting that has even served as a filming location for movies like “Jurassic Park 2.” The park’s rugged coastline, characterized by sea stacks and rocky cliffs, adds to its dramatic beauty.

Beyond the magnificent redwoods, the park’s diverse landscapes encompass pristine beaches, wild rivers, and lush meadows. The park offers the chance to see fascinating endangered species like the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl.

Redwood National and State Parks offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to kayaking along the Smith River. Those looking for adventure should not miss out on this beautiful location!

Last but not least on our list of the best places to visit in California is the state capital itself, Sacramento .

Situated at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the city has deep historical roots dating back to the Gold Rush era , and this legacy is celebrated in Old Sacramento, a charming district that retains its 19th-century charm with historic buildings, wooden sidewalks, and horse-drawn carriages.

The California State Capitol, with its distinctive white dome, serves as the heart of political activity and offers tours that delve into the state’s governance and history.

The Crocker Art Museum, one of the oldest art museums in the West, houses an impressive collection of European, American, and Californian art, while the vibrant Midtown district showcases a lively cultural scene with galleries, boutiques, and diverse dining options.

Sacramento’s urban revitalization has seen the emergence of contemporary neighborhoods that balance history with innovation. The R Street Corridor, once an industrial area, has transformed into a hub of creativity with galleries, breweries, and trendy eateries.

The city’s proximity to agricultural regions has resulted in a flourishing farm-to-table culinary scene, with the Sacramento Farmers’ Market providing a showcase for fresh produce and artisanal products.

The American River Parkway, a 23-mile greenbelt, offers residents and visitors the chance to cycle, hike, or kayak along the scenic waterways. Sacramento is a multifaceted city that has much to offer travelers in California.

Find more things to do in Sacramento with our detailed guide!

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California

30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California

California , the golden state, offers some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and places to visit! Just browse through these awesome pictures and be amazed by it’s beauty.

1. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls are popular with visitors from around the world. Much of the water that crashes down the falls and into the lake below comes from snowmelt. Yosemite falls itself is the fifth highest waterfall in the world and from top to bottom it is 2,425 feet. The falls are at their most spectacular in May and June, once the snow has melted the falls become a trickle and you then need to wait for the cooler weather again.

2. Sturtevant Falls, Big Santa Anita Canyon

Sturtevant Falls are located in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest. The falls themselves are fifty foot in height and look exceptionally beautiful due to the moss and algae that grows on the cliff. This makes the colours you see as the water runs distinctive and mesmerizing.

3. California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway in California is one of the most beautiful drives there is. It runs along most of the coastline of California and is famous across the world for its beautiful scenery. The route is a designated blue Star Memorial Highway as a way of recognition to those that serve in the U.S. armed forces.

4. Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz is one of the surfing mecca’s of the United States. The city itself is only small with a population of approximately 50,000 but the beautiful beaches and bohemian vibe attracts many visitors from across the world. The all year summer feel adds to the feeling of never ending paradise that you will always feel in this city.

5. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is named this because of the Joshua trees that are native to the park. The area is a designated wilderness and encompasses two very different deserts. Visitors to the park can experience camping, hiking, and climbing.

6. California Street Cable Car

The California Street Cable Car is the last manually operated cable car system left in the world. It is an icon of San Francisco and during its peak there were twenty three lines running through the city. Now there are just three remaining and they make for a beautiful view when you are visiting the city.

7. Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is a quiet, beautiful and unusual beach. The locals visit the area regularly but to the tourist the beach is still fairly unknown. The sand at the beach is an unusual purple colour and this is caused by the manganese garnet particles that get washed down from the neighbouring hillside.

8. San Diego

Along the coast of the Pacific Ocean is the vibrant and gorgeous city of San Diego. There are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore which when tempered with the mild climate of the area make this a fantastic place to visit. San Diego has the nickname “America’s Finest City” which should say it all really.

9. Lava Beds National Monument

There are 25 lava tube caves that you can visit when you are in Tuelake. When you climb down into the caves it will be like nothing you have experienced before. The caves have tubes that are made out of lava and a visitor center that explains their creation.

10. Big Sur

Big Sur was derived from the Spanish words ‘el sure grande’ which means ‘the big south’. The area is lightly populated and sits at the south of the city of Monterey. There are some stunning views to be had whilst you are in this small area which makes it very popular with tourists.

11. McWay Falls

McWay falls is an 80 foot waterfall that is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The fall is actually classed as tide fall due to its close proximity to the ocean. The waterfall used to flow directly into the ocean but following a landslide in 1985 the terrain was altered and it now flows into an inaccessible beach.

12. San Francisco

San Francisco is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and is famous for the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, colourful houses from the Victorian age and the last remaining cable cars. The city has many huge skyscrapers that make for a beautiful view. Just off the coast is Alcatraz Island which was home to the famous prison.

13. Vernal Falls

In the Yosemite National Park you will come across Vernal Falls. A 317 foot water fall that falls into the Merced River. The falls run all year round but at certain points of the year they break into multiple strands when the volume of water decreases.

14. Monterey Beach

Monterey Beaches are made up of a selection of Beaches that range from tiny little jewels to large area of sand. Each beach is unique and offers plenty of recreation facilities from kayaking to surfing to diving.

15. Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is a small island that sits within Lake Tahoe. The bay has now been designated a National Natural Landmark due to the natural beauty that this small island provides. There are two camping grounds and a scenic foot trail that goes around the outside of the island.

16. Muir Woods

Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a hot spot for tree lovers. The forest is often covered in a fog that comes from the coast. There are countless redwood trees growing in the area that use the fog that seeps in to stay moist during the dry summers.

17. Napa Valley

In the north of California you will find the Napa Valley. The area is famous for its beautiful landscapes and legendary wineries. The area is perfect for those that want to get away from it all and pamper themselves for a few days in the award winning restaurants and spas.

18. Cathedral Peak

Cathedral Peak is one part of the mountain range known as the Cathedral Range. The peak got its name because of the shape of the peak that looks like a cathedral. Glacial activity formed the peak and it has remained in its current form for many years.

19. Mariposa Woods

Mariposa Woods are a grove of giant sequoias. When you arrive you will feel like you are in a fairy-tale as the trees get taller and taller the further in you go. Some of the trees are between 1900 and 2400 years old with the star of the show being the giant sequoia named ‘Grizzly Giant’

20. Giant Rock In Landers

The Giant Rock is a real natural beauty and one that you must see whilst on a trip to landers. The boulder is in the Mojave Desert and covers an area of 5,800 square feet. The rock is seven stories high and known to be the largest free standing rock in the world.

21. Glacier Point

Situated well above the Yosemite Valley is Glacier Point. A viewpoint that stands at an elevation of 7,214 feet. From here you can stand back and catch amazing views of the Yosemite Valley, Vernal Fall, Clouds Rest and Nevada Fall.

22. California One Highway

Running from San Diego to San Francisco is the California One Highway. One of the most celebrated driving roads in the world. You will travel through wine country and beaches along this winding coastal drive. An absolute must for anyone who loves a road trip.

23. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest State Park in the country and here is where you will find the Waddell Creek Watershed. This area was formed when the rim was uplifted and the centre eroded, leaving the beautiful bowl shaped area you can see today.

24. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park you will find Rockefeller Forest which is the largest contiguous forest of coast redwoods in the world. Many of these trees grow to over 91 metres in height and the ‘Stratosphere Giant’ was at one point the tallest redwood known to man.

25. Mendocino Coast

Mendocino Coast is a nature lover’s paradise. With breath taking scenery and rock formations that have been carved by the wind. There are tide pools and secret coves to explore as well as wetlands filled with birds and other wildlife. A truly fantastic place to explore when you need to get everything.

26. Bishop, California

Bishop in California is a small town that offers much to the person who loves the great outdoors. You can trek to the top of White Mountain Peak which is 14,246 feet at its altitude and offers stunning views of the landscape below.

27. Oxnard Dunes

Oxnard is a small city in California that has many beautiful beaches and dunes to visit. You can enjoy quiet beaches that let you take in beautiful sunsets or you can choose to walk along the dunes for an equally stunning view.

28. China Beach in San Francisco

In the Sea Cliff neighbourhood of San Francisco is China Beach, a small cove that is one of the cleanest and most looked after beaches in the state. The cove was originally used as a campsite for Chinese fisherman that worked in and the bay.

30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California:

• Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park
• Sturtevant Falls, Big Santa Anita Canyon
• California’s Pacific Coast Highway
• Santa Cruz, California
• Joshua Tree National Park
• California Street Cable Car
• Pfeiffer Beach
• Lava Beds National Monument
• McWay Falls
• San Francisco
• Vernal Falls
• Monterey Beach
• Emerald Bay
• Napa Valley
• Cathedral Peak
• Mariposa Woods
• Giant Rock In Landers
• Glacier Point
• California One Highway
• Big Basin Redwoods State Park
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• Mendocino Coast
• Bishop, California
• Oxnard Dunes
• China Beach in San Francisco

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The 15 best places to visit in California

The best places to visit in California include sunny beachside towns, snowy mountain resorts and sprawling metropolises

The best places to visit in California need little introduction. Thanks to a wealth of attractions and on-screen appearances, the Golden State enjoys a prominent place in the world’s collective imagination. California is more than palm trees and sunshine though; it offers a wonderfully diverse landscape of mountains, deserts, beaches , and vineyards. Plus, within each of these distinct settings, you’ll discover unique pockets of vibrant culture, stylish design, and some of the  best restaurants on the West Coast. California is the stuff of road trip dreams, and you can start mapping out your next adventures with the following alluring destinations.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best  things to do in California

An email you’ll actually love

Best places to visit in California

1.  Yosemite

What is it? Quite possibly the most spectacular showcase of the Earth’s natural beauty.

Why go? The few Californians who admit to having never visited this tourist-populated national park risk ridicule by fellow residents. Why? Because even regular visitors are left dumbstruck by Yosemite ’s grand-scale natural wonders. The park spans nearly 750,000 acres, but most visitors are content sticking to Yosemite Valley thanks to blockbuster attractions such as Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake, and Half Dome. For more solitude, seek out Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy which once rivaled Yosemite Valley’s scenery before it was dammed up to serve as a reservoir for San Francisco ’s drinking water.

Discover the best things to do in Yosemite 

2.  Napa Valley

What is it? Take an especially scenic patch of California countryside, and add relaxed vibes, world-class dining, and a hell of a lot of exceptional wine.

Why go? Thanks to a balmy climate, Insta-worthy wineries, and a breathtaking setting of rolling vineyards backed by mountain peaks, even your favorite wine tastes better in Napa Valley. The region is comprised of numerous small towns with their own distinct flavor, from The French Laundry’s tony home of Yountville to the laid-back, mineral springs-rich town of Calistoga. Don’t pass up downtown Napa whose historic riverfront streets are currently experiencing a renaissance.

Discover the best  things to do in Napa

3.  Big Sur

What is it? Redwoods meet the sea at this nature-filled escape perched high above the Pacific.

Why go? Big Sur encompasses a wide, forested swath of California’s central coast, yet you’ll find most lodging, restaurants, and attractions in and around Big Sur Village. For your basecamp, pitch a tent at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or bed down in one of the outdoor-chic cabins at Glen Oaks. During the day, frolic in the crystalline pools found along the Big Sur River (the best are at The Gorge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park), hike down to mesmerizing Partington Cove, and join the hundreds of other tourists photographing iconic McWay Falls. Cap the night with sweeping vistas and a sunset cocktail and at Nepenthe, and wake to a hearty breakfast around the wood-fired hearth at the ridiculously cozy Deetjen’s restaurant.

4.  Lake Tahoe

What is it? The second largest lake in the nation is a year-round destination for skiing, watersports, and alpine splendor.

Why go? While the U.S. abounds with famed ski resorts, only Tahoe offers those coveted bluebird days after a night of fresh powder. Yet, the region draws the most crowds during the summer when visitors can hike waterfront, cliffside trails, raft the gorgeous Truckee River, and fling themselves off granite boulders into the lake’s clear, turquoise waters.

Discover the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe 

5.  Palm Springs

What is it? Originally popularized by Sinatra-era celebs, this serene desert escape is finding a new audience with mid-century style and a popular music fest.

Why go? In a state renowned for blending natural beauty and stylish design, Palm Springs still stands out. It’s home to the largest collection of mid-century modern structures in the world, many of which you can admire via self-guided tours (stop by the visitors center housed in a particularly striking example). Plus, half the fun of weekending in Palm Springs is the many reimagined inns and motels that serve as de facto showcases for the town’s fetching, mid-century mod style. And, each spring, you’ll want to don your best boho duds for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival which takes place in neighboring Indio.

Discover the best  things to do in Palm Springs

6.  Healdsburg

What is it? The chic epicenter of Sonoma County’s wine and food scene.

Why go? No need to pull straws for a designated driver thanks to Healdsburg’s walkable central plaza brimming with tasting rooms and upscale restaurants. Check in to one of the town’s luxe hotels—Harmon Guest House, The Duchamp—and stroll to plaza hotspots such as the loungey tasting room of Banshee Wines, the lively, bocce ball-equipped patio at Campo Fina, and the exquisite dining room of the three Michelin star Single Thread.

7.  Santa Barbara

What is it? A seaside gem in Central California.

Why go? The town’s slogan “The American Riviera” feels like a marketing ploy...until you visit in person. Lush, Spanish Colonial architecture from the early 20th century are tucked between the bewitching Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Stroll main drag State Street whose shops and restaurants are often situated in hidden, Spanish-style courtyards, before ending up at palm tree-lined East Beach. For more seaside splendor, hop on a rental bike, and pedal the shorefront to Butterfly Beach which fronts the spectacular—and spendy—Four Seasons Biltmore. Come evening, find drinks, eats, and a fun crowd in the lively Funk Zone. Just make sure to tour the enchanting gardens at Lotusland before you leave town.

Discover the best things to do in Santa Barbara

8.   Mendocino

What is it? A rugged stretch California coastline with a few nods to New England.

Why go? The Infinitely charming town situated on coastal headlands and comprised of New England style homes—thank its early settlers—has historically drawn lovestruck couples to cutesy B&Bs. Thankfully, the grandma-pleasing decor found in many inns is slowly giving way to contemporary furnishings. Plus, Mendocino isn’t just for the lovey-dovey set. Outdoor adventures abound including hiking fern-laden redwood groves and dramatic coastal bluffs—check out Van Damme and Russian Gulch State Parks—and kayaking wondrous sea caves. At night, the region’s exceptionally dark skies are awash in millions of stars.

9.  San Diego

What is it? Beaches, beer and border culture help define this sunny SoCal town.

Why go? San Diego combines the best of California’s cities and beach towns with a fun, sophisticated food and drink scene and miles of sandy shores. Twenty-somethings will find no shortage of shots in party spots such as Pacific Beach and the Gaslamp District, while foodies should gravitate to Little Italy and North Park. In burgeoning Barrio Logan, find a hip Mexican-American community populated with stylish cafes, breweries, and eateries. Beachgoers will be happy in La Jolla and Coronado Island. Just don’t miss a Mai Tai at one of the many tiki bars—False Idol, Grass Skirt, Fairweather, for starters—that feel right at home in the city’s tropical environs.

Discover the best things to do in San Diego

10.  Los Angeles

What is it? This oft-misunderstood city is the cultural hub of California (and yes, that includes insanely good tacos).

Why go? Despite what you might have heard, there are numerous ways to do this multifaceted city, most of which are not always apparent to newcomers. No doubt you’ve seen Santa Monica beaches and Beverly Hills boutiques portrayed on-screen, yet you’ll have to seek out the Persian dishes of the westside’s “Tehrangeles,” the majestic architecture and nightlife of downtown LA , and the fun, hipster scenes found in Echo Park , Silver Lake  and Highland Park . Plus, LA art galleries  are the best in the state, exhibiting both the modern ( The Broad , MOCA , LACMA ) and the quirky ( Museum of Jurassic Technology , Velveteria, Museum of Neon Art ). As for those tacos, just walk down any street.

Discover the best things to do in Los Angeles

11.  San Francisco

What is it? Home to more than a few California landmarks— Golden Gate Bridge , Chinatown , Alcatraz — San Francisco charms with hilltop vistas and exceptional eateries.

Why go? It’s compact size and colorful street life means you can enjoy seeing the city’s attractions all on foot. Plus, there’s always good eats within reach as eating and drinking is considered SF residents’ favorite pastime. Nosh your way through the marketplace at the waterfront Ferry Building , explore Chinatown’s moody alleys, and bar hop in the Mission . Bonus points for visiting Oakland ’s hip boutiques and laid-back eateries across the bay.

Discover the best things to do in San Francisco

12.  Orange County

What is it? The home of Disneyland offers more magical reasons to linger.

Why go? In Orange County , the thrills don’t stop at the Dumbo ride. Anaheim bustles with innumerable craft breweries, Laguna Beach hides some of the most beautiful beaches in California , and South Coast Plaza is a shopping mecca for more than just real housewives. To see what the cool kids are up to, check out Costa Mesa and Downtown Santa Ana which features a collection of hip boutiques and the county’s best nightlife.

Discover the best things to do in Orange County

13.  Santa Cruz

What is it? The birthplace of mainland surfing is redefining the modern, California surf town.

Why go? Featured in the pioneering surf flick “The Endless Summer” and home to where surf legend Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit, Santa Cruz has had surfing in its DNA since three Hawaiian princes introduced the sport here in the late 1880s. Yet, the city’s iconic surf style has gotten an upgrade in recent years. Shop stylish, surf-inspired boutiques such as Berdel’s, Sawyer Land & Sea Supply, and Home/Work, before chowing down on contemporary seaside grub—fish tacos, poke bowls—at Steamer Lane Supply.

Discover the best things to do in Santa Cruz

14.  Sea Ranch

What is it? A Northern California coastal nirvana made even more alluring by striking, 70s-era modernism.

Why go? Watch your blood pressure drop and social media shares soar at this quiet coastal community where the primary activity is marveling at the surrounding coastal landscape. You can book a room at the waterfront Sea Ranch Lodge, yet most visitors are here to stay in one of the sleek, wood-sided modern vacation homes designed to blend into the coastal landscape. Design fans also shouldn’t miss the vibrant super graphics found inside the Moonraker Athletic Center.

15.  Catalina Island

What is it? Southern California without the freeways.

Why go? Reached by a 60-minute boat ride from Long Beach, the island escape feels surprisingly remote. A swinging destination during the 1930s, the tiny town of Avalon today offers more mellow thrills. Tour the island’s Art Deco masterpiece, the Catalina Casino, kayak offshore waters, and sip seaside cocktails at the Descanso Beach Club.

Discover the best things to do on Catalina Island

Explore more of California

The 9 best National Parks in California

• Things to do

Fancy a weekend getaway under a canopy of giant Sequoias or a day trip to see Southern California wildflowers? 

The 15 best California State Parks

California State Parks are like having a Disneyland for every corner of the state.

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15 Best Destinations to Visit In California In Summer

Ready to explore the best destinations in California in the summer? There’s something truly special and quintessentially California about a summer visit. As a local, it’s one of my favorite times of year to hit the road and explore.

You can spend days at the beach and late sunsets over the ocean in coastal California, to music festivals in the cities. There are great hiking, camping, and wildlife-spotting opportunities in the mountains. I find there are so many reasons to visit the state during the summer season.

Many of the places on this list have been my go-to California summer trips for years, including some right in my backyard. I’m always in for a last-minute trip.

Whether your trip is for a day or a week, you can’t go wrong with California summer. Read on for some of my favorite places to visit in California in summer.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Summer Destinations in California:

• San Diego (stay at Hotel Del Coronado ) , for the best family-friendly resort getaway
• Sonoma Coast (stay at Timber Cove Resort ) , for the best northern coast getaway
• Santa Barbara (stay at Palihouse Santa Barbara ) ,  for the best relaxing getaway

The Best Summer Destinations in California

1. laguna beach.

Nothing says summer like the pristine beaches of Laguna Beach. It’s somewhere I’ve visited since I was a child in the summer months. I have very fond memories of strolling the beaches, observing critters in the tide pools, and spending time downtown.

As an adult, it’s become my favorite beach getaway in the state, and somewhere to relax and retreat with top-notch dining and views. It’s the perfect summer vacation spot for couples, families, and even solo travelers to enjoy.

Helpful Laguna Beach Guides to Plan Your Trip

• 19 Incredible Things to Do in Laguna Beach, California
• How to Spend 48 Hours in Laguna Beach
• Southern California Road Trip Guide: Laguna Beach to Big Bear

Laguna Beach Hotel Recommendations

• Montage Laguna Beach , for the best luxury oceanfront resort
• Hotel Joaquin , for the best design hotel
• Laguna Beach House , for the best design-for-dollar stay

2. Lake Tahoe

For a very different type of beach getaway, head to the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe for swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and Fourth of July fireworks. Think crystal-clear water surrounded by beautiful mountains and pines, and a low-key, All-American dining scene.

I grew up spending many summer weekends at the lake, which is just an hour or so north of where I grew up. I’m a particularly big fan of the north shore, which to me has the best hikes and lake spots as well as a more relaxed vibe overall.

Helpful Lake Tahoe Guides to Plan Your Trip

• A Quick Summer Guide to Lake Tahoe
• The 18 Best Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe
• The Best Hotels and Cabins in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Hotel Recommendations

• The Coachman ,  for the best South Lake hotel
• Basecamp Tahoe South ,  for the best design-for-dollar hotel
• Desolation Hotel ,  for the best new South Lake hotel

3. Sonoma Coast

When many people hear “Sonoma,” they think of Sonoma Valley and wine country. But there’s so much more to discover in this Golden State county—including its beautiful coastline. As you drive north, the cliffs seem to rise taller and the beaches widen out, revealing a beautiful coastline dotted with picture-perfect beach towns.

A favorite stop of mine is Timber Cove resort , whose 25 acres rise above the ocean at the top of a cliff. Design lovers will appreciate the architectural details done in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as the 46 beautifully updated guestrooms.

Helpful Sonoma Coast Guides to Plan Your Trip

• A Three-Night Road Trip On Northern California’s Coast
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sonoma, California

Sonoma Coast Hotel Recommendations

• Timber Cove Resort , for the best overall hotel

Just west of Los Angeles, Malibu is another world-famous beach destination on Highway 1. Backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, this surf town is packed with hip shops and eateries. It’s the perfect destination for relaxing in nature while taking advantage of good food and accommodations.

Since summer in Malibu is peak beach season, keep in mind that it can get busy. But that’s not to say you can’t still have a peaceful vacation. I highly recommend checking out The Surfrider, a relaxed, 20-room boutique hotel, for its calming spaces and eye-catching design.

Helpful Malibu Guides to Plan Your Trip

• A Slow Travel Guide to Malibu, California

Malibu Hotel Recommendations

• The Surfrider Hotel , for the best overall hotel

5. Mendocino Coast

Mendocino is a weekend destination that keeps calling me back again and again. It’s a slow-paced, idyllic, charming town intimately connected with nature. Discover the choppy Pacific Ocean waters to the whales and birds that call the area home to the dense redwood forests. A stay in Mendocino will give you a front-row seat to whale watching and all the other outdoor wonders this part of the coast has to offer.

The town center offers a different set of activities and delights. Artist studios, boutiques, water towers, historical landmarks, and quirky architecture are in no short supply. It’s a great place to wander and soak up the friendliness of locals who care about your experience and their town.

Helpful Mendocino Coast Guides to Plan Your Trip

• A Weekend Guide to Mendocino, California
• 15 Best Things to Do in Mendocino, California
• The Best Luxury Mendocino Hotels (Where to Stay With Ocean Views)
• The 13 Best Restaurants in Mendocino

Mendocino Coast Hotel Recommendations

• Heritage House Resort and Spa ,  for the best oceanfront hotel
• Brewery Gulch Inn ,  for the best Mendocino hotel
• SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm ,  for the best bed-and-breakfast  stay
• Mendocino Grove ,  for the best glamping stay
• Nicholson House at Beaujolais ,  for the best Mendocino bed-and-breakfast stay

6. San Diego

San Diego is known for its gorgeous beaches and parks, and while those certainly don’t disappoint—they are wonderful to explore during the summer, and perfect for swimming and hiking—there is so much more to the city. For starters, adults can enjoy playing golf, dining in Little Italy, and exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter, while kids can check out the world-class zoo and watch the sea lions in La Jolla.

While in San Diego, don’t miss the chance to check out the charming resort area of Coronado Island. With great beaches and a quaint neighborhood, it’s a perfect place for a family-friendly vacation.

Helpful San Diego Guides to Plan Your Trip

Your ultimate travel guide to visiting coronado island, san diego hotel recommendations.

• Pendry San Diego ,  for the best city hotel
• The Pearl Hotel ,  for the best boutique hotel
• Hotel Del Coronado , for the best family-resort
• Alila Marea Beach Resort ,  for the best resort

7. Trinidad

Trinidad isn’t as well-known as many of the other destinations on this list, but it should still have a spot on your summer travel bucket list. When I first visited Trinidad, I felt as though I could have spent a week there. There’s so much to do, with the iconic redwood trees and scenic beaches so close by.

My recommendations would include visits to Redwoods National State Parks, Fern Canyon, and Moonstone Beach, as well as a few of the local restaurants. While a little pricey, they serve up excellent fresh seafood. The Larrupin Café and Moonstone Grill were my favorite spots, and don’t miss Beachcomber Café for breakfast.

Helpful Trinidad Guides to Plan Your Trip

• The Ultimate Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary
• A Road Trip Guide to California’s Wild North Coast

Trinidad Hotel Recommendations

• Whalesong House ,  for the best home rental stay

8. San Francisco

What can I say? San Francisco is my favorite city in the U.S. and a place that still feels like home after living there for several years. It has so many amazing things to do that it would take weeks to explore it all—instead of trying, I recommend doing a few parts well and saving the rest for a future trip.

Summers in San Francisco can be windy and foggy, but don’t let that put you off. I love some of the city’s indoor activities, such as museums (MOMA and the de Young Museum are a couple of favorites). With some layers in tow, you can still have a wonderful time exploring the unique neighborhoods and beautiful outdoor spaces. And don’t miss the chance to indulge in a top-notch dining scene.

Helpful San Francisco Guides to Plan Your Trip

• The Ultimate Local’s Travel Guide to San Francisco
• The Best Hotels in San Francisco
• The 20 Best Restaurants in San Francisco

San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

• San Francisco Proper Hotel ,  for the best overall hotel
• 1 Hotel San Francisco ,  for the best waterfront hotel
• Fairmont San Francisco ,  for the best luxury hotel

9. Marin County

Marin County is a place I treasure and a place I’ve frequented over the years. Point Reyes Station in particular is a favorite day or weekend trip location I return to again and again for its beautiful views, quaint town, and great accommodations. The Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected outdoor space of more than 22,000 acres, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

If you’re staying overnight in Marin, you can’t do better than Nick’s Cove on Tomales Bay. It’s a beautifully maintained seaside cottage that will bring you a world away from the hustle and bustle of nearby San Francisco. Don’t miss the chance to view a late summer sunset over the bay from the hotel’s restaurant.

Helpful Marin County Guides to Plan Your Trip

• A Weekend Guide to Point Reyes Station, California
• The 20 Best Restaurants in Marin County
• What It’s Like Staying at Nick’s Cove on Tomales Bay

Marin County Hotel Recommendations

• Nick’s Cove , for the best overall hotel

10. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, has a beautiful coastal location. Its mountain and coastal views are striking, and on top of that, it boasts a nearly endless supply of things to do. Art, history, culture, nature, dining, wine and beer tasting—you name it.

For can’t-miss activities, I love the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, the historic Red Tile Walking tour of downtown, and the Funk Zone, a hip neighborhood where several winery tasting rooms are based. If you’re planning a longer stay in the area, you can also take  side trips to Ventura and Ojai .

Helpful Santa Barbara Guides to Plan Your Trip

• A Slow Road Trip Guide To Santa Barbara, Ventura, And Ojai
• The 20 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
• 17 Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Hotel Recommendations

• Hotel Californian ,  for the best overall hotel
• Palihouse Santa Barbara ,  for the best downtown hotel
• El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel ,  for the best luxury hotel

11. Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park gets visitors year-round to see its famous towering Sequoia trees, but summer is an especially nice time to visit. Temperatures in the groves are comfortable thanks to the shade, making it a great place to beat the heat.

Sequoia National Park is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park, meaning you can visit both together. Though they each boast high elevations and namesake trees, each park has its unique features, and both are worth visiting.

Helpful Sequoia National Park Guides to Plan Your Trip

• Sequoia National Park Resource

Sequoia National Park Hotel Recommendations

• The Darling ,  for the best close-to-park hotel

12. Santa Ynez Valley

For a laid-back yet refined winery destination, look no further than the trendy Santa Ynez Valley. Chock full of chic places to stay, effortlessly cool shops, and elevated restaurants, it’s the perfect place for couples or friends to explore and sip on summer wines.

The valley comprises several towns, including Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, and Solvang. They’re all within 15-20 minutes of each other, so if you have a car, it’s easy to hop between them.

Helpful Santa Ynez Valley Guides to Plan Your Trip

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Santa Ynez Valley
• The Best Hotels in Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Recommendations

• Hotel Ynez ,  for the best overall hotel
• The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern ,  for the best luxury hotel
• Fess Parker Wine Country Inn ,  for the best-located hotel

13. San Luis Obispo / Pismo Beach

Somewhat overshadowed by big-name tourist destinations in Northern and Southern California, Central California doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But there are so many gems to explore in this area, including San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. The Central Coast is an ideal part of the state for a road trip, and spring and summer are my favorite times of the year to take one with mild weather and wildflowers in full bloom.

These towns have something for everyone, including bustling downtowns, proximity to the ocean, great hiking trails, and even nearby wineries. Morro Bay State Park and Pismo Preserve are a couple of great places to explore outdoors. 

Helpful San Luis Obispo / Pismo Beach Guides to Plan Your Trip

• How to Spend 48 Hours in San Luis Obispo
• The Best Hotels in San Luis Obispo, California (Where to Stay)
• A Road Trip Guide to Central California: Pismo Beach, the Santa Ynez Valley, and New Cuyama
• The Design Lover’s Guide to a Central California Road Trip

San Luis Obispo / Pismo Beach Hotel Recommendations

• San Luis Creek Lodge ,  for the best overall hotel
• Granada Hotel & Bistro ,  for the best downtown hotel
• Edna Farmhouse ,  for the best private homestay

14. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the most underrated national parks I’ve had the opportunity to explore. It’s full of surprises, from boiling mud pots to wildlife, meaning you’ll want to take some time to explore instead of rushing through.

One of the best parts? It’s not spoiled by overtourism. You’ll find uncrowded hikes and backcountry lakes and creeks where you can enjoy magnificent nature in peace. If you want to get even more immersed, several nearby campgrounds are lovely in the summer.

Helpful Lassen Volcanic National Park Guides to Plan Your Trip

• Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park: Things To Do

Lassen Volcanic National Park Hotel Recommendations

• Highlands Ranch Resort , for the best overall hotel

15. Los Angeles / Santa Monica

L.A. is an incredibly large area, and a week is truly not enough time to see at all. Given that, I suggest picking a few different neighborhoods to explore depending on the length of your trip—and for a summer visit, Santa Monica, with its walkable neighborhood and proximity to the ocean, should be at the top of the list.

On my most recent trip, I based my family in Santa Monica for four days, which allowed us to explore nearby neighborhoods including Venice and West Hollywood. While these areas have lots of great restaurants and shops to explore, I encourage you to be mindful of traffic if you intend to drive between them, as it can be no joke.

Helpful Los Angeles / Santa Monica Guides to Plan Your Trip

• The First-Timer’s Guide to Los Angeles
• What It’s Like Staying at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Los Angeles / Santa Monica Hotel Recommendations

• Santa Monica Proper , for the best overall hotel 

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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The best times to visit Los Angeles

Feb 21, 2024 • 5 min read

Choose the best time for your visit to LA with this guide to what's happening through the year © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Home to sun-drenched beaches , iconic boulevards and endless experiences , visitors flock to  Los Angeles  throughout the year.

While the city may not be too distinctive seasonally, each period brings its own magic. From the vibrant springtime blooms, contagious energy of summer, spooky delights of fall, and enchanting holiday magic of winter, there is always something happening. 

So when is the best time to visit this urban paradise? The good news is, there's no such thing as a bad time. Whether you're looking to soak in the sunshine, skip the crowds, or stick to a tighter budget , we can help you choose the right time for yo

March to May is the best time for perfect weather and fewer crowds

Spring in Los Angeles brings comfortable temperatures, blooming landscapes and longer days. Daily highs hover around 75°F, lows rarely fall below 45°F, and the chance of the occasional rainshower is typically nonexistent.

March to May draws fewer crowds to the city, making it a popular and more convenient time to soak in the many attractions. Whale watching is a favored choice for sealife enthusiasts as it's migration season. Spring sees 20,000 gray whales travel via Los Angeles from the Arctic to their breeding and calving grounds in Baja California, Mexico. There are many tours to witness this firsthand, particularly in Long Beach and Orange County. 

Those who love the sights of fresh blooms should visit Descanso Gardens . While open year-round, the 150-acre botanical playground is a great way to soak in the sunshine and admire seasonal flowers like tulips, camellias, lilacs, roses and azaleas.

Springtime also welcomes festival season, with many LA locals and visitors in town ahead of music festivals  Coachella and Stage Coach . While the extravaganzas take place in the Californian desert near Palm Springs, LA acts as a home base for out-of-towners. 

But it's not all sunshine, with May Gray and June Gloom something to be aware of. The phenomena refer to the overcast and sometimes gray foggy conditions seen some mornings. These conditions shouldn't deter visitors, though because they make outdoor activities like hiking more comfortable (just be sure to wear layers). The good news is, the sky typically clears throughout the day, and the sun breaks through by afternoon. 

September to November is the best time for budget travelers 

If you're on a budget , September to November is an off-peak season, making it a great time to visit LA. Most kids are back at school, the summer rush has subsided, and the weather continues to radiate heat – in a more comfortable manner.

Fall comes complete with packed event schedules like the Emmy Awards, DTLA Film Festival, and for car lovers, the LA Auto Show. Amid all the offerings is Scary Season, with Universal Studios putting on its annual must-visit Halloween Horror Nights. 

But if you're hoping to witness autumn foliage and trees changing colors, like in the movies, be warned LA is not the place. Unlike other big cities such as  New York and Chicago , Southern California lacks significant seasonal changes.

It's also important that budget vacationers choose their travel dates wisely. While fall prices are generally ideal, booking too early may still see you faced with summer peak-season prices. Booking belatedly, eg late November, may have you slapped with even higher prices ahead of the holiday season. Thanksgiving (the last Thursday of November) is known for being one of the most expensive times to travel.

June to August is the high season and the best time for beach lovers

The sun is shining, and the waves are calling. For travelers looking to experience that SoCal beach life, summer is the best time to visit. Iconic beach towns like Santa Monica, Venice , Malibu  and Manhattan Beach  house over 100 beaches and host over 50 million visitors annually. If you are headed to one of the many gorgeous seasides, bring plenty of sunscreen, water and a beach umbrella, as temperatures average around 85°F and UV index ratings frequently rank extreme. 

From the ever-colorful and glorious LA Pride in June to Independence Day on July 4, summer in LA is when the city comes alive. Outdoor cinemas and summer concerts are also in full swing as locals and tourists soak in the longer days and warmer nights. The Hollywood Bowl is a great place to experience an LA summer night, with shows most evenings. The historic amphitheater in the heart of the Hollywood Hills was named one of the 10 best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone magazine and has hosted big names, including Judy Garland, Elton John, The Beatles, Adele and Lana Del Rey. 

Bear in mind, though, that with endless events and activities, school holidays and warm weather in full force, LA crowds, longer lines and high prices peak in summer.

December to February are the best times for culture enthusiasts

The months of December to February are ideal for indoor attractions like museums , galleries and theaters sans crowds. With the holiday season also in tow, light displays in neighborhoods and streets like Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills and The Grove  are attractions in themselves. Come New Year's Day, Pasadena puts on its annual Rose Parade, which features approximately 45 incredible rose-covered floats.

For those looking for a snow-filled winter wonderland, LA is not the place. Temperatures stay pretty consistent, with some days still reaching above 72°F. And while it's not common to see much rainfall in LA, it does happen, and when it does, it's typically during January and February. Being a rare occurrence, some restaurants, bars and attractions do close until the sun returns. Prices also rise from mid-December to early January for the holiday season.

Take the next step in planning your trip to Los Angeles:

Know these 10 things before you visit These tips will help you plan your budget Traffic is tricky. Plan how to get around Discover the best neighborhood to fit your vibe

This article was first published Feb 18, 2021 and updated Feb 21, 2024.

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Do you have a ‘happy place’ in L.A.? We want to hear from you

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Is there a place in L.A. that simply makes you happy? A spot where you go to escape? Where the noise just stops and you feel nothing but delight?

Perhaps it’s a favorite store where the bright and clean interior offers you a reprieve from your mental clutter. Or a treasured spot outdoors that has what you’ve proclaimed as the city’s best view of the sunset. Maybe it’s your local fitness or dance studio where you go regularly for a reliable hit of serotonin.

We’re looking to talk to readers who’ve found their own spot of joy in L.A. and Southern California. Use the form below to tell us about it. We just ask that it’s a public location that others can visit and enjoy (so while the reading nook in your bedroom is surely a very happy place, it’s not quite a fit for this project).

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Sonaiya Kelley is an entertainment reporter at the Los Angeles Times. The Bronx, N.Y., native has previously contributed to Essence, Allure and Keyframe Magazine. An alumna of Stony Brook University’s School of Journalism and the Bronx High School of Science, you can find her on Twitter @sonaiyak and on Instagram @sonaiya_k.

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Another chance to see the aurora? Predictions say this weekend could be good.

Forecasters at the space weather prediction center are closely watching sunspots for the next chance at northern lights..

BOULDER, Colo. ‒ Skygazers eager for their next chance to see the northern lights have a powerful ally on their side: a small group of space weather forecasters monitoring the sun for the next big solar explosion .

Last month's thrilling display of the aurora seen as far south as Florida was highly unusual. But experts say the next several years could see even bigger displays as the sun enters the height of its typical 11-year sunspot cycle.

And in a secure facility in Boulder, forecasters with the federal Space Weather Prediction Center are eagerly awaiting its next move. Inside the center, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, giant screens display images of the sun through various filters, from visible light to its powerful magnetic field and the solar flares constantly boiling off its surface.

"We're always just trying to figure out what's going to hit our little blue marble," senior forecaster Shawn Dahl said.

Extra-strong sunspots, which are often accompanied by the sun ejecting vast amounts of superheated plasma, can trigger auroras but also pose a danger to satellites, airplanes, GPS navigation and the power grid.

While people living near the poles ‒ from Alaska, Iceland and Finland to New Zealand and Australia ‒ often see the aurora during the winter, last month's display was unusual because it was visible in many places that don't typically see them, especially during late spring.

Experts say the typical viewing patterns are likely to continue, but the large sunspot makes it more likely another massive display could happen soon across vast swaths of the United States.

Typical aurora displays are forecast with only a few hours advance notice, but large ones like last month's were generated by a solar explosion that could be seen by forecasters days before it splashed across Earth's atmosphere.

Tapping into data from a constellation of satellites aimed at the sun, forecasters are again watching the sunspot group known as Region 3697, along with solar flares and what are known as coronal mass ejections ‒ massive eruptions of plasma so strong they have their own magnetic fields.

Displayed as a gray disturbance on the sun's surface, it's hard to understand the region's scale: That sunspot cluster is 15 times larger than Earth. And the sun is 93 million miles away.

From 93 million miles to a field near you

Dahl said that while the center's forecasts are widely used by electric utilities, satellite operators and other large organizations, they are only now becoming familiar to ordinary people.

On May 10, as the aurora display was just about to begin, a nephew doing spring planting in North Dakota called to report the GPS on the tractor was off by 12 feet when it's usually accurate to a centimeter, Dahl said.

"This is the first time in my life I've gotten a space weather report from a family member," Dahl said. "I'm used to getting called, being asked: 'How much snow are we going to get? What's the threat from hail today?' And he's telling me the system was taking them in circles."

In last month's event, the impact from the plasma was so strong it temporarily shoved the Earth's magnetic field closer to the planet, causing some satellites to lose their orientation. Government-funded satellites are typically built to withstand solar storms and have multiple redundant navigation systems, but smaller, cheaper ones may not.

The Environmental Defense Fund, which earlier this year launched a methane tracking satellite from California, temporarily halted some calibration work on its $88 million device while the storm passed, said Peter Vedder, senior director of mission systems for MethaneSAT. Built in Colorado, the 770-pound satellite is still getting into its operating location about 360 miles above the Earth.

Though light from solar flares and coronal mass ejections reaches the Earth in about 8 minutes and charged particles known as protons arrive in 15 minutes, ejected particles may take two to four days to hit and be deflected by the Earth's magnetic field. Usually, auroras are most pronounced around the poles because of the shape of the Earth's magnetic field.

"You can't steer yourself around it, you can't fly around it. You have to design (the satellite) to be robust enough to handle it," Vedder said. "You tend to turn off some more sensitive electronics and wait it out for a day."

Messing with communications systems

Starlink, the Elon Musk company that has launched more than 4,000 satellites to provide worldwide internet service, said it had weathered the May storm without incident: "Starlink satellites are under a lot of pressure, but holding up so far," Musk posted on his social media platform, X, on May 11.

In 2022, 38 newly launched Starlink satellites burned up after a mild solar storm created unexpected conditions in the Earth's upper atmosphere. Starlink and forecasters at the prediction center in Boulder now work more closely to monitor potential disruptions, especially during satellite launches.

Starlink satellites orbit closer to Earth than many other satellites, and scientists discovered that solar storms can temporarily "thicken" that area, creating unanticipated drag.

Solar flares and coronal ejections also can affect long-distance power lines used to transmit electricity. Because solar storms jostle the Earth's magnetic field, they can create power surges that burn out transformers and other equipment.

In 1989, an estimated 6 million Canadians and northern New England residents lost power for nine hours as a result of solar-induced surges. With warning, utilities can take steps to reduce the damage, and one of the largest transmission groups recently installed a first-of-its-kind system to automatically protect its power lines.

The most powerful geomagnetic storm in history, 1859's Carrington Event, sparked auroras so bright they reportedly woke gold miners inside their tents in Australia, burned out telegraph equipment and lit the sky brighter than the full moon.

Solar storms also alter how radio waves travel through the atmosphere and can mess with radar and radio communications.

Dahl said commercial airliners often must take longer routes closer to the equator during solar storms so their radio communications with air traffic control officials remain reliable. And planes taking over-the-pole flights may have to detour to avoid heavier-than-usual radiation exposure.

Predicting space weather can be challenging

Leading up to and during the May storm, space weather forecasters held regular briefings with power utilities and other groups to answer questions, and six hours before the storm's "strong, sudden arrival" drove home warnings of just how powerful it would be.

"That gave them six hours of lead time, to say this is going to happen, be ready," Dahl said. "And they were ready. There were plenty of effects, they were busy ... and fortunately, as far as we know, they did not suffer any bulk system impact. "

In the future, Dahl said, space weather forecasters probably will play a role in safety considerations for space tourists and for NASA's efforts to return to the moon and send astronauts to Mars. He said upcoming science satellite launches will improve the center's space forecasts but noted how hard it can be to accurately forecast the weather on Earth.

"We're forecasting stuff from 93 million miles away, so it's very difficult. And our science is limited," Dahl said. "We can do a great job of predicting the probability that the flare will happen, and if so, what level it might get to, and the same with radiation storms, but we have no way of knowing that a flare is imminent. That science doesn't exist. We have to wait for them to happen."

Dahl, an amateur astronomer and night sky photographer who missed the May 10 display because he was working, said he's hopeful for a new display. Dahl also noted that sunspot activity is expected to increase for the next year, then ramp down again, giving skywatchers plenty of opportunities for more displays.

"We still haven't reached the peak," he said. "We're not even close to being done with this cycle yet."

Title Transfers and Changes

To prove vehicle ownership, it’s important to have a valid, up-to-date, and accurate California Certificate of Title. Here’s how you can transfer and change a title. 

Transfer your Title online!

You can now transfer a title online. Learn more about the steps and get started.

How to Transfer a Title

Anytime there’s a change to a vehicle or vessel’s registered owner or lienholder, that change must be updated in DMV’s records within 10 days and the California Certificate of Title must be transferred to the new owner.

A change in ownership is usually due to:

• Sale, gift, or donation
• Adding or deleting the name of an owner
• Inheritance
• Satisfaction of lien (full payment of car loan)

To transfer a title, you will need:

• Either the California Certificate of Title or an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (if the title is missing). 
• The signature(s) of seller(s) and lienholder (if any).
• The signature(s) of buyer(s).
• A transfer fee .

Depending on the type of transfer, you might need to complete and submit additional forms. See below for other title transfers and title transfer forms.

Submit your title transfer paperwork and fee (if any) to a DMV office or by mail to: 

DMV PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269

Rush Title Processing

If you need us to expedite your title processing, you can request rush title processing for an additional fee.

Transfer Fees

Depending on the type of transfer, you may need to pay the following fees:

• Replacement title
• Use tax, based on the buyer’s county of residence
• Registration

See the full list of fees .

Renewal fees and parking/toll violation fees don’t need to be paid to issue a replacement California Certificate of Title.

Title Transfer Forms

These forms may be required when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel:  Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form (call the DMV’s automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133 to have a form mailed to you) Statement of Facts (REG 256) Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release (REG 166) Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Smog certification Vehicle Emission System Statement (Smog) (REG 139) Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) Bill of Sale (REG 135) Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)

Other Title Transfers

When you’re buying a new car or a used car from a dealership, the dealer will handle the paperwork and you’ll receive your title from DMV in the mail.

When vehicle ownership is transferred between two private parties, it’s up to them to transfer the title. If you have the California Certificate of Title for the vehicle , the seller signs the title to release ownership of the vehicle. The buyer should then bring the signed title to a DMV office to apply for transfer of ownership. 

If you don’t have the California Certificate of Title , you need to use an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) to transfer ownership. The lienholder’s release, if any, must be notarized. The buyer should then bring the completed form to a DMV office and we will issue a new registration and title.

Make sure you have all signatures on the proper lines to avoid delays.

Other Steps for the Seller When Vehicle Ownership is Transferred

• 10 years old or older.
• Commercial with a GVW or CGW of more than 16,000 pounds.
• New and being transferred prior to its first retail sale by a dealer.
• Complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days of releasing ownership and keep a copy for your records.

Once the seller gives the buyer all required documentation and DMV receives the completed NRL, the seller’s part of the transaction is complete.

*If the vehicle has been sold more than once with the same title, a REG 262 is required from each seller.

Other Steps for the Buyer When Vehicle Ownership is Transferred

• Current registered owner(s), how names are joined (“and/or”), and lienholder/legal owner (if any).
• License plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and registration expiration date.
• Title brands (if any).
• Words “Nontransferable/No California Title Issued,” indicating a California title was not issued and a REG 227 cannot be used (see FAQs).
• Get a smog inspection (if applicable).

Once the buyer has provided the DMV with all the proper documents and fees, the vehicle record is updated to reflect the change of ownership and a registration card is issued.

A new title is issued from DMV headquarters within 60 calendar days.

To transfer a vehicle between family members, submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Title properly signed or endorsed on line 1 by the registered owner(s) shown on the title. Complete the new owner information on the back of the title and sign it.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) for use tax and smog exemption (if applicable).
• Odometer disclosure for vehicles less than 10 years old.
• Transfer fee .

You may transfer a vehicle from an individual to the estate of that individual without signatures on the Certificate of Title.

Submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Title. On the back of the title, the new owner section must show “Estate of (name of individual)” and their address. Any legal owner/lienholder named on the front of the title must be re-entered on the back of the title.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) confirming the owner is deceased and Letters Testamentary have not been issued. The person completing the statement must indicate their relationship to the deceased.

Use tax and a smog certification are not required.

Vehicle ownership can be transferred to a deceased owner’s heir 40 days after the owner’s death, as long as the value of the deceased’s property in California does not exceed:

• $150,000 if the deceased died before 1/1/20.
• $166,250 if the deceased died on or after 1/1/20.

If the heir will be the new owner, submit the following to a DMV office:

• The California Certificate of Title. The heir must sign the deceased registered owner’s name and countersign on line 1. The heir should complete and sign the back of the title.
• Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) , completed and signed by the heir.
• An original or certified copy of the death certificate of all deceased owners.

If the heir prefers to sell the vehicle, the buyer also needs (in addition to the items above):

• Bill of Sale (REG 135) from the heir to the buyer.
• Transfer fee (two transfer fees are due in this case).

To transfer vessel ownership, submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Ownership. The registered owner signs line 1. The legal owner/lienholder (if any) signs line 2. Complete the new owner information on the back of the certificate and sign it.
• Bill(s) of sale, if needed to establish a complete chain of ownership.
• A Vessel Registration Fee .
• Use tax based on the tax rate percentage for your county of residence.

After you sell a vessel, complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within five days of releasing ownership and keep a copy for your records.

How to Update or Change a Title

Because a California Certificate of Title is a legal document, it is important to keep it accurate and up-to-date. Here’s how you can update or change a title. 

Order a Replacement California Certificate of Title

You must order a replacement California Certificate of Title when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, illegible, or not received. 

To order a replacement title, submit the following:

• Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) .
• The original title (if you have it).
• California photo driver license (if submitting form in person).
• Replacement title fee .
• If another replacement title was issued in the past 90 days, a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) completed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This requirement only applies if the registered owner’s name or address doesn’t match DMV records*.

You can submit your application either in-person* at a DMV office or by mail:

Department of Motor Vehicles Registration Operations PO Box 942869 Sacramento, California 94269-0001

If you’re submitting your form to a DMV office, we recommend you make an appointment so you can avoid any lines. 

You’ll receive your title by mail 15-30 calendar days from the date you submit the replacement title application.

*If you’re applying for a replacement title and the registered owner’s name or address doesn’t match DMV records (except for obvious typographical errors), you must submit your application in person with proof of ownership (e.g. registration card) and an acceptable photo ID (e.g. driver’s license/ID card).

Online Replacement Title Request

Visit our Virtual Office to request a replacement title online.

Change or Correct a Name on a Title

Your true full name must appear on your vehicle or vessel California Certificate of Title and registration card. If your name is misspelled, changes (e.g as a result of marriage or divorce), or is legally changed, you need to correct your name on your title.

To change or correct your name, submit:

• California Certificate of Title with your correct name printed or typed in the “New Registered Owner” section
• A completed Name Statement in Section F of the Statement of Facts (REG 256) .

You may submit your application to any DMV office or by mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Registration Operations PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Removing Information that was Entered by Mistake

If a name or other information is entered on a title by mistake, complete a Statement to Record Ownership (REG 101) .

Frequently Asked Questions

If the vehicle has a legal owner/lienholder, then section 5 of the REG 227 needs to be notarized. If the registration does not show a legal owner/lienholder, notarization is not required.

Need help finding the lienholder on your vehicle title? We keep a listing of banks, credit unions, and financial/lending institutions that may have gone out of business, merged, changed their name, or been acquired by another financial institution.

No. You must obtain a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled.

If you’re unable to obtain a title from that state, provide documentation that they cannot issue a title. A motor vehicle bond may be required

Contact us for more information .

Need something else?

Fee calculator.

Use our fee calculator to estimate any applicable registration or title transfer fees.

Renew Your Vehicle Registration

You need to renew your vehicle registration every 1-5 years in California, depending on the vehicle. Make sure your registration is up-to-date.

Make an Appointment

Some applications can be submitted to a DMV office near you. Make an appointment so you don’t have to wait in line.

General Disclaimer

When interacting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Virtual Assistant, please do not include any personal information.

When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. Use caution when using a public computer or device.

The DMV chatbot and live chat services use third-party vendors to provide machine translation. Machine translation is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by the third-party vendors and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the content resulting from the use of the translation service.

The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version.

Google™ Translate Disclaimer

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Google™ Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google™ Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool.

The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.

The following pages provided on the DMV website cannot be translated using Google™ Translate:

• Publications
• Field Office Locations
• Online Applications

Please install the Google Toolbar

Google Translate is not support in your browser. To translate this page, please install the Google Toolbar (opens in new window) .

Protect Your Trip »

The 14 Best National Parks in California

You won't regret adding one of these national parks to your California itinerary.

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Stunning views, fun hiking trails and more await in Yosemite National Park, one of many beautiful national parks in California.

California's geographical diversity is by far its greatest asset. It's rare that in one state you can hit up the beach, hike mountains, explore dense forests and wander through the desert. But in California, it's all possible. And often, you don't have to travel far to get from one landscape to the next. The Golden State has the most national parks of any state in the U.S. and that doesn't include its numerous other National Park Service-designated sites and monuments. To help you pick the best places to visit, U.S. News rounded up California's top national parks and sites most worthy of a trip or detour. (Note: Some of the following destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. Located about 140 miles southeast of Sacramento in northern California, Yosemite National Park welcomes millions of visitors per year thanks to its unique geology and bevy of adventure activities. The bucket list park stands out in particular for its striking granite rock formations and towering waterfalls: Half Dome and Vernal Fall are Yosemite's can't-miss landmarks. As for where to stay, campgrounds are abundant and cost anywhere from $10 to $36 per night depending on location and group size. Lodges and various hotels, including the national historic landmark lodge The Ahwahnee , are also available (nightly rates vary).

Joshua Tree National Park

For the quintessential California desert experience, there is no better place to visit than Joshua Tree National Park . Situated just 50 miles east of Palm Springs , Joshua Tree offers 800,000 acres of dreamy desert landscape complete with climbable boulders and rare Yucca brevifolia, or Joshua trees. Journey down the park's main roads, Pinto Basin and Park Boulevard, and you'll stumble upon photogenic rock formations, including Arch Rock and Skull Rock , as well as other must-see attractions like the scenic Cholla Cactus Garden and Keys View lookout. Plus, as an IDA International Dark Sky Park , Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to catch sight of the Milky Way. Note that the only lodging options in the park are campgrounds, which typically range from $15 to $25 per night.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is dry, the land is barren and temperatures often soar past 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, this park may not be for everybody. However, the mysteries that lie within, including moving rocks, colorful wildflowers and singing sand dunes, will no doubt intrigue travelers. Situated about 130 miles west of Las Vegas on the border of Nevada, Death Valley boasts the distinction of being the hottest, driest and lowest place in the U.S. While here, admire the diverse desert terrain at top attractions, such as Zabriskie Point, Dante's View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin. Stretching across 3.4 million acres, this is California's largest national park, so you'll have no problems finding accommodations on-site; options include seasonal campgrounds, inns and motels.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is likely the only national park in the U.S. where it would be wise to do some neck stretches before entering. This is because Sequoia National Park houses some of the largest trees by volume in the world. The General Sherman Tree , the park's biggest attraction, is the largest, measuring 275 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter. You can find this incredible tree and more giants in the aptly named Giant Forest , one of several giant sequoia groves in the park. However, accessing all this astonishing natural beauty will require a considerable effort. To get here, you will have to drive 80 miles southeast of Fresno, or nearly four hours from Los Angeles or San Jose , as these are the closest cities with international airports. The upside is that there are accommodations on-site, including the Wuksachi Lodge (rates hover around $295 per night) and campgrounds, which range from $22 to $70 per night, depending on your group size.

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is perfect for those who crave the landscapes and adventures Yosemite offers, but don't want to deal with massive crowds. Kings Canyon looks a lot like Yosemite, boasting rocky peaks and picturesque valleys awash with granite rock and lush forestry. Like its neighbor Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon is home to sequoia groves, but it's the park's sweeping valley vistas that steal the show. Visit Moro Rock for panoramic views of the Great Western Divide, drive along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway or work up a sweat hiking its many trails. You'll find Kings Canyon National Park in central California, about 240 miles north of Los Angeles. You can stay at one of the park's three lodges (rates vary by season and room type) or campgrounds, which run between $22 and $70 per night.

Cabrillo National Monument

This small national monument is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown San Diego on the Point Loma Peninsula, but it's worth a detour for the views alone. Cabrillo National Monument honors Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach the west coast in 1542. The top of the monument features a commemorative statue and offers incredible 360-degree views. From here, you'll get an eyeful of the Pacific Ocean to the right, downtown San Diego to the left and, on a clear day, Mexico to the south. If you can peel yourself away from the stunning southern California vistas, follow Cabrillo Road down to the coast, where you'll find a scenic waterfront pathway leading to a small beach (not safe for swimming) and tide pools. Between December and February, this is an ideal place to spot Pacific gray whales as they migrate south for the winter.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes is the kind of place that takes your breath away. Located in northern California about 40 miles northwest of San Francisco , Point Reyes National Seashore brims with awe-inspiring coastal landscapes, captivating cliffside beaches, sprawling wilderness and diverse wildlife. Leisure travelers will relish the spectacular views at Point Reyes Lighthouse and the nearby Elephant Seal Overlook, while adventure travelers will enjoy traversing the equally stunning 9.7-mile out and back Tomales Point Trail and the 5-mile Laguna-Coast Loop. And you won't want to leave without driving through the enchanting Cypress Tree Tunnel, a quarter-mile-long driveway framed with Monterey cypress trees. Accommodations come in the form of backcountry campgrounds, which start at $30 per night, or the HI Point Reyes Hostel, the only non-camping lodging option within the national seashore.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Sprawling across nearly 81,000 acres, Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers a hearty mix of natural and historical landmarks that all lie within the greater Bay Area. There is so much to experience in San Francisco , as well as in neighboring Marin and San Mateo counties, that you'll definitely need days to see it all. Alcatraz and the redwood-filled Muir Woods National Monument are probably the most popular spots, though you should also budget time to visit Kirby Cove, Baker Beach or China Beach for photo-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge . The recreation area also features a bevy of hikes, including those at Lands End , the Marin Headlands and Rancho Corral de Tierra. What's more, accommodation options (from vacation rentals to hotels ) abound in San Francisco.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which runs along the Malibu coastline, is impressive: It encompasses nine state parks and some of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles . Zuma Beach and El Matador State Beach earned high marks from recent visitors, but beachgoers should also check out Point Dume State Preserve and Leo Carrillo State Park for spectacular shorelines. Meanwhile, hikers should hit up Malibu Creek State Park, home to California redwoods, or Point Mugu State Park for scenic canyon trails. For a challenging climb (think: steep inclines and rugged terrain) head to the Rising Sun Trail in Solstice Canyon or the Los Liones Trail in Topanga State Park. Then, when you need a break from the California sun, learn about the history of the Chumash people at Newbury Park's Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. When it's time to bed down, the recreation area also offers campgrounds, which start at $10 per person, per night.

Redwood National and State Parks

Among the many natural attractions California is known for, the state's towering redwood trees are its most distinctive. Redwoods are the tallest species of trees in the world, and California is one of only two states in the U.S. where they exist (you'll also find them in coastal Oregon). Redwood National Park is unique in that it encompasses multiple parks across the northwestern coast of California. Must-visit areas include Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park, and Humboldt Redwood State Park, where you'll find the world's largest remaining continuous old-growth forest of coastal redwoods. You'll find numerous camping options (starting at $35 per night); cabins are only available in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (for $80 or $100 per night, depending on the season).

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of California's more unique national parks. Located in northern California about 50 miles east of Redding, Lassen Volcanic National Park is situated at the crossroads of two volcanic mountain ranges (Cascade Range and the Basin and Range Province), creating an incredibly diverse volcanic landscape for visitors to explore. This is one of the few spots in the world where all four types of volcanoes (cinder cone, composite, shield and plug dome) exist. While here, marvel at the park's hydrothermal areas, including the popular Bumpass Hell, and explore the park's other natural attributes, such as its many scenic lakes and tranquil meadows. As for on-site accommodations, you will find campgrounds (starting at $16 a night), as well as cabins (starting at $76 per night), and the Drakesbad Guest Ranch (prices vary).

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is probably California's most remote national park. Dubbed the "Galapagos of North America," these five islands off the coast of Ventura County are inhabited only by animal residents, some of which include bald eagles and elephant seals. While here, enjoy adventure activities galore, including hiking alongside scenic cliffs, snorkeling through sea caves, picnicking on the beach and whale watching. Just don't forget to bring your camera – the park is home to nearly 150 species of wildlife that can't be found anywhere else in the world. There are campgrounds on the islands (starting at $15 per night), however, you have to bring your own food and water: no food services are available and only two campgrounds have potable water.

Manzanar National Historic Site

History buffs, especially those with a penchant for World War II, should spend time exploring Manzanar National Historic Site. After an executive order by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942, more than 110,000 Japanese-Americans were forced to leave their homes and live in isolated, military-like camps across the United States. Manzanar, located between Kings Canyon National Park and Death Valley off U.S. Highway 395, was one of 10 Japanese internment camps used during the war and detained more than 10,000 people. The historical park features reconstructed barracks, a mess hall and excavated gardens, among other sites. The visitor center is the best place to start, as it showcases a variety of exhibits and information on tours. There are no accommodations on-site, but considering its limited things to do, Manzanar National Historic Site is best for a daytrip.

Pinnacles National Park

Millions of years ago, shifting tectonic plates led to sizeable volcanic activity east of California's Salinas Valley, causing layers of magma to converge and form the unique rock structures known as "pinnacles." When movement along the San Andreas Fault split the Neenach Volcano, these pinnacles were transported north along the west side of the fault to where they sit today, just east of the Salinas Valley about 50 miles east of Monterey . In 2013, Pinnacles National Park was granted full national park status, making it the newest national park in the state of California. Home to the endangered California condor and more than 30 miles of trails, Pinnacles National Park is an ideal destination for birdwatching, hiking and rock climbing. Traditional campgrounds, RV sites and canvas tent cabins are available for $39 to $119 per night.

Are the California national parks open?

While all of California's national parks are currently open to visitors, some facilities, services and ranger-led programs may be temporarily unavailable due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Check out the park website before your trip to stay updated on COVID-19 policies and to see what closures may be in effect. Park visitors should also be prepared to wear a mask when visiting California's national parks. The National Park Service requires that all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask inside NPS buildings, on public transportation and in crowded outdoor spaces.

How many national parks are in California?

The National Park Service manages 423 protected sites across the U.S., an extensive list that includes national monuments, recreation areas, seashores, parks, preserves and more. Of these sites, 63 are designated as national parks. California is home to nine of them – more than any other state in the U.S. – and boasts 28 national park sites in total. With this wealth of natural beauty, visitors will have no problem finding a park to suit their interests.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
• The Top Natural Hot Springs in California
• The Top Lakes in California
• Top Things to Do in California
• The Best Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles
• Top Travel Duffel Bags
• The Top Road Trip Essentials
• The Best Camping Tents
• The Top Sleeping Bags

Tags: Travel , US Vacations , National Parks , California Vacations

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Florida town ranks on list of cities you’re most likely to see a celebrity

Celebrity sightings are almost expected in cities like New York and Los Angeles, where Hollywood heavyweights own property and work.

But South Florida holds its own when it comes to hosting the rich and famous. Celebrity-owned properties line the coastline of southeast Florida, from Jupiter to the suburbs of Miami. 

There is a growing collection of A-listers who live in South Florida full- or part-time: Tiger Woods, Gisele Bündchen , Pitbull, Jeff Bezos and Gloria Estefan, to name just a few.

In June 2024, one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, Sydney Sweeney, was reported to be buying a $20 million oceanfront home in South Florida .

It makes sense that you might see celebrities near where they live, so it’s no surprise that a South Florida town placed on a recent rankings list of top destinations in the world to spot a celebrity in 2024 .

Here’s which South Florida town is one of the most likely places to spot a celebrity this year and why.

Where are you most likely to run into celebrities?

A recent study from BetUS , “the original online sportsbook,” analyzed celebrity sightings reported from January 2024 through May 2024 and combined them with the population of each city they were reported in. This created a weighted average for the possible number of sightings per 100,000 people in each city.

According to the study, the place where you’re most likely to spot a celebrity in 2024 so far is the town of Braemar in the Scottish Highlands, which attracted Hollywood darling Margot Robbie (“Barbie,” “The Suicide Squad”) this year and is a frequent destination for members of the British Royal Family.

Surprisingly, the small town of Palm Beach, Florida, took 10th place on the global rankings list, placing below Malibu, California, but far above Manhattan, New York.

Palm Beach ranked even higher on the list of cities where you’re most likely to spot celebrities in the U.S., taking seventh place.

Here’s the international list of the most popular cities to spot a celebrity in 2024 and some of the celebrities that have been spotted in each city, according to the BetUS study:

• Braemar, Scotland, United Kingdom: Margot Robbie
• Ballard, California, United States: Ed Helms (“The Office,” “The Hangover” films)
• Bedford Hills, New York, United States: John Krasinski (“The Office,” “Jack Ryan”) and Emily Blunt (“Edge of Tomorrow,” “Mary Poppins”)
• Park City, Utah, United States: Robert Downey Jr. (Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Avengers” films)
• Malibu, California, United States: The Kid Laroi, Tate McCrae, Travis Kelce
• Indian Wells, California, United States: Tom Holland (“Spider-Man,” “Avengers: Infinity War”), Zendaya (“Greatest Showman,” “Euphoria”)
• Waiheke Island, New Zealand: Jason Mamoa (“Aquaman,” DC’s “Justice League”), Jack Black (“Kung Fu Panda” films), Jennifer Coolidge (“American Pie” films, “White Lotus”)
• Fernie, British Colombia, Canada: soccer star David Beckham, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham
• Big Sky, Montana, United States: Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy
• Palm Beach, Florida, United States: Sydney Sweeney (“Anyone But You,” “Madame Webb”), Kris Jenner, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger

Here’s the national list of the most popular cities to spot a celebrity in 2024, according to the BetUS study:

• Ballard, California
• Bedford Hills, New York
• Park City, Utah
• Malibu, California
• Indian Wells, California
• Big Sky, Montana
• Palm Beach, Florida
• Aspen, Colorado
• Barclay, New Jersey
• Brookdale, New Jersey

Why is Palm Beach, Florida, popular with celebrities? 

“Beautiful beaches, people, and nightlife alongside its ideal weather, and multitude of unique cuisines make Palm Beach, Florida, the perfect celebrity magnet for A-listers to enjoy a nice getaway all year long,” the study said. 

“If you’re in the mood for French bistro cuisine at Le Bilboquet, you might see Sydney Sweeney with a bunch of friends enjoying her Le Pillard de Poulet.”

Le Bilboquet is also a favorite dining spot of Martha Stewart , who is a frequent visitor of Palm Beach, Florida.

"One of nine restaurants worldwide, this excellent fancy bistro serves classic French cuisine of high quality," Stewart wrote in a 2022 Instagram post . "I have known the proprietor for many years. Philippe Delgrange is the undisputed king of his group of restaurants."

Which celebrities live in Palm Beach, Florida?

There are quite a few celebrities who live in the small, affluent town of Palm Beach and even more dispersed throughout Palm Beach County.

“Expendables” actor Sylvester Stallone and his wife, Jennifer Flavin Stallone, announced earlier this year that they’re moving from California to Palm Beach full-time . The couple have owned a home in Palm Beach since December 2020, that they bought for a recorded $35.38 million . 

Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee Ocleppo used to have two Palm Beach homes, but sold one recently. In 2021, the fashion power couple left their home in Greenwich, Connecticut, and moved to their waterfront Palm Beach home full-time. 

The full list of celebrities that have lived near Palm Beach is much, much longer.

Here are some of the celebrities who have homes in the town of Palm Beach, as confirmed by the Palm Beach Daily News :

• Sylvester Stallone (actor)
• Tommy Hilfiger (fashion designer)
• Dr. Mehmet Oz (celebrity surgeon known as "Dr. Oz")
• Billy Joel (singer)
• Rod Stewart (singer)
• Jon Bon Jovi (singer)
• Howard Stern (radio shock jock and TV host)
• Sean Hannity (Fox News host and conservative radio host)
• Bret Baier (Fox News host)
• Ann Coulter (conservative pundit)
• Tom Ford (fashion designer)
• Lana Marks (fashion designer)
• Adrien Arpel (fashion designer)
• Mark Badgley and James Mischka of Badgley Mischka (fashion designers)
• Stockard Channing (actor and sister of former Palm Beach mayor Lesly Smith)
• Rudy Giuliani (former New York mayor and lawyer for Donald Trump)
• James Patterson (novelist)
• Donald Trump (former president of the United States and presumed Republican presidential nominee for 2024)
• Melania Trump (former first lady of the United States)
• Bob Vila (TV home-improvement host, including "This Old House")
• Aerin Lauder (lifestyle expert)
• Jane "Baby Jane" Holzer, former model and 1960s star of avant-garde films by the late Andy Warhol)
• Jonathan Adler (interior designer, furniture designer and lifestyle expert)
• Simon Doonan (author, TV personality, former creative director of Barney's NY)
• Robert Kraft (owner of New England Patriots)
• John Middleton (owner of Philadelphia Phillies)
• Jeff Lurie (owner of Philadelphia Eagles)
• Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV (owner of New York Jets)
• Charles Schwab (discount broker pioneer)
• Steve Wynn (casino and resort mogul  former head of Wynn Resorts)
• Jennifer Flavin (Stallone) - (former model)
• Stephanie Seymour (Brant) - (former model)
• Dee Ocleppo (Hilfiger) – (fashion and accessories designer)
• Kelly Klein (photographer)