california state tourist attractions

22 Top-Rated Things to Do in California

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Sep 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Sunny days, a fun-loving culture, and endless things to do outdoors give the California lifestyle a special appeal. The Golden State is the place to enjoy life, whether dining on outdoor terraces or walking along the beach.

The state's spectacularly beautiful landscapes provide the backdrop for outdoor adventures. Exceptional natural beauty is found everywhere, from the redwood forests of Humboldt County in northern California to the sprawling sandy beaches near the border with Mexico. The choice of things to do depends on the region, and varies by city.

Sophisticated cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, offer world-class cultural attractions, while the laid-back small towns welcome visitors with friendly vibes.

From visiting museums and attending rock concerts, to sunbathing at the beach and skiing in the mountains, there is something for everyone in our list of the best things to do in California.

1. Visit Yosemite National Park

2. soak up the sun at pacific beach in san diego, 3. admire masterpieces of art in los angeles, 4. take a hike near the heavens at mount shasta, 5. ride a roller coaster at the santa cruz beach boardwalk, 6. visit san francisco's legion of honor museum, 7. spend a sunny day in the napa valley, 8. watch surfers at huntington beach, 9. dine at gourmet restaurants in the san francisco bay area, 10. experience the beach life in malibu, 11. hit the ski slopes at lake tahoe, 12. feel the grooves at coachella valley music and arts festival, 13. indulge in spa treatments at a santa barbara resort, 14. wander through an ancient forest at redwood national and state parks, 15. hike or rock climbing in joshua tree national park, 16. meditate at a retreat center in marin county, 17. visit a small organic farm in sonoma, 18. commune with nature in big sur, 19. enjoy a relaxing farm stay in paso robles, 20. camp in the desert at lake perris recreation area, 21. explore nature sites and gardens, 22. escape to rural serenity in the ojai valley, map of things to do in california.

Sheer granite cliffs and magnificent waterfalls distinguish the landscape of the Yosemite Valley from almost anywhere else in the world. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and is the most famous waterfall at Yosemite National Park.

Hiking the Yosemite Falls Trail is an invigorating experience not to be missed at Yosemite National Park. Ranking high on a list of Yosemite's top hikes , the trail takes you straight to one of Yosemite's most stunning sights.

The round-trip 7.2-mile hike involves a 2,700-foot elevation gain; however, you can simply hike up 1,000 feet to Columbia Rock for amazing views of Yosemite Falls.

More amazing waterfalls await on the Mist Trail , which follows along the Merced River and leads to the top of Vernal Fall via a steep stone staircase. The trail continues on to Nevada Fall, with more steep stairs along the way. The hike to Vernal Fall is 3 miles round-trip; the complete hike is 7 miles round-trip.

Not only is the Yosemite Valley famous for its iconic landscapes, but it is also a mecca for outdoor activities. Yosemite National Park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fly-fishing, and world-class rock climbing.

Tips for Visitors : Reservations are required to drive into Yosemite National Park during peak hours (from 6am until 4pm) from mid-May through September.

Melting snow provides the source for Yosemite's waterfalls. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls of Yosemite, when they are flowing at their peak force.

California boasts 1,000 miles of beaches along its coastline. Much of the shoreline features sublime sandy beaches in pristine environments.

Blessed with gorgeous coastal scenery and balmy weather almost year-round, San Diego is the ultimate SoCal destination for sun-drenched recreation and outdoor adventures . Sporting enthusiasts can choose from a wide variety of activities, from hiking on trails with ocean views to cycling on bayside paths and kayaking in sea caves.

Some of the best beaches in California are found in San Diego. Pacific Beach , just north of the downtown, is one of San Diego's top beaches . This wide stretch of sandy shoreline extends for about five miles and has excellent amenities including year-round lifeguard surveillance, public restrooms, and showers. Things to do include swimming, surfing, windsurfing, biking, and yoga.

Pacific Beach features a three-mile-long oceanfront boardwalk with shops, cafés, and restaurants. The trendy restaurants attract a young crowd and give the beach a lively atmosphere.

Los Angeles is home to some of the country's best art museums, a few of which rival the world-class museums of New York City.

The most prestigious museum in Los Angeles is The Getty Center , which contains an exceptional collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum complex is set on 110 acres of lovely manicured grounds in the Santa Monica Mountains, with sweeping views of the Los Angeles cityscape.

Another one of LA's highlights , the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has the largest art collection in the western United States, with over 100,000 items representing art from antiquity to the present. The LACMA has a noteworthy assortment of Latin American, Islamic, and Asian Art.

While visiting the City of Angels, be sure to check out another cultural attraction: the dining scene. The city brims with top-notch restaurants, from casual ethnic eateries to Michelin-starred dining establishments.

Some of the most acclaimed restaurants include Red O, an upscale Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica with a hip atmosphere; Osteria Mozza, a chic Italian restaurant that specializes in handmade pasta and dishes prepared from local ingredients; and Wolfgang Puck's famous Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills.

Majestic mountain scenery awaits at Mount Shasta, an awe-inspiring snowcapped peak that soars to 14,163 feet. The landscape is so sublime that it has an almost mythical quality.

Some of the best hiking trails at Mount Shasta include the five-mile round-trip trail to the summit of Black Butte (1,800-foot elevation gain), which affords breathtaking views of the Trinity Alps, and the Gray Butte Trail , an easier 3.5-mile round-trip hike with a 750-foot elevation gain that also offers panoramic views of the landscape.

For fun in the sun, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has all the trappings of a classic seaside amusement park: an old-fashioned roller coaster (the Giant Dipper , listed as a National Historic Landmark), rides, games, fairground food, and a fabulous beachfront location. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk fronts a sandy beach in a sheltered cove with gentle waves, ideal for families with kids .

While spending the day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, visitors will have fun going on thrilling rides (or kiddie rides), playing arcade games, and indulging in treats such as corn dogs, ice cream sundaes, chocolate-dipped bananas, and cotton candy.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ranks among the top tourist attractions in Santa Cruz , along with the city's sandy beaches, fishing pier, Surfing Museum , and whale-watching cruises.

For those traveling with youngsters, a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroads Santa Cruz Beach Train or Redwood Forest Steam Train should be added to a list of things to do in Santa Cruz.

San Francisco delights art lovers with its interesting array of museums, from science collections like the Randall Museum (which has a Natural Sciences Lab) and the Exploratorium to cultural attractions like the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) and the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).

One of San Francisco's top attractions and its most prestigious museum, the Legion of Honor is found in a breathtaking natural setting. The museum presides over a wooded hillside on a headland with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge . Modeled after the 18th-century Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, the building was constructed in the 1920s and exemplifies French Neoclassical style.

In addition to its splendid architecture, the museum has excellent collections of fine arts, decorative arts, and archaeology. Highlights include the masterpieces of French painting from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as noteworthy works by the Old Masters such as El Greco, Georges de La Tour, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Peter Paul Rubens, and Thomas Gainsborough. Tourists also appreciate the museum's café with outdoor patio and gift shop.

When visiting the Legion of Honor museum, don't miss the nearby Lands End trails . Part of the network of trails, a scenic coastal walking path begins just steps away from the Legion of Honor and affords amazing outlooks onto the Golden Gate Bridge and the expanse of deep-blue Pacific waters. This trail winds through eucalyptus groves and stands of cypress trees, with the final stretch following alongside ocean bluffs with stunning vistas.

With its sun-drenched rolling hills, the Napa Valley recalls the landscape of Provence in the south of France. The warm weather of this northern California region make it a favorite day-trip destination from San Francisco , which is often cool and foggy during summertime.

The Napa Valley is famous for its dining scene. A wide selection of gastronomic restaurants appeals to gourmands or anyone who would like to sample the region's renowned seasonal cuisine. Many of the choices are fine-dining establishments, but visitors can also find casual eateries with great food.

Awarded three Michelin stars , The French Laundry is a special destination that requires booking reservations well in advance. Other acclaimed restaurants are Bouchon, a traditional French bistro, and The Restaurant at the Auberge du Soleil resort, which features splendid views of the Napa Valley from its outdoor dining terrace.

Those visiting the Napa Valley in late May can check out a famous music festival. The BottleRock festival kicks off summer every year in late May with a fabulous lineup of music concerts. The festival also features gourmet food stands, art installations, a spa, and more.

What better place to watch surfers ride the waves than in the town known as Surf City U.S.A .? Huntington City Beach in Southern California is legendary for its surfing culture. The U.S Open of Surfing takes place at Huntington City Beach every year in late July to early August.

More than ten miles of wide sandy shoreline front the western edge of the city. Beach lovers flock to this stretch of coastal paradise to sunbathe, play beach volleyball, fly kites, enjoy picnics, and admire the sunsets.

The Huntington Beach Pier stands at the center of the city's coastline. This impressive landmark extends for 1,800 feet and features benches where you can grab a seat to check out the expert surfers. The pier is also a popular spot for fishing.

Other things to do in Huntington Beach include visiting the shops and restaurants on Main Street, the walking paths of Huntington Central Park, and the Huntington Beach Art Center.

Foodie travelers should put California at the top of their must-visit destination list. The Golden State is a premier gourmet dining destination in the country.

With farmlands, dairies, and orchards covering much of the state, California produces fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese, and other food products that supply grocery stores nationwide. Local chefs snap up the freshest and best ingredients for their restaurants, while farmers markets make available the best produce sold by local vendors.

One of the premier foodie destinations in California, the San Francisco Bay Area boasts an extraordinary choice of restaurants, from organic farm-to-table cuisine and ethnic street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. There are 31 restaurants in San Francisco (as well as a few more just outside the city) that have been awarded at least one of the coveted Michelin stars.

In San Francisco, tourists love sampling the fresh seafood at Pier 39 restaurants . Not only is the food delicious, but these restaurants feature a lively ambience and fabulous waterfront views.

Several of San Francisco's best fine-dining establishments with three Michelin stars are Quince, which serves upscale California cuisine; the innovative contemporary French restaurant, Atelier Crenn , helmed by a renowned female chef; and the contemporary Asian restaurant, Benu.

San Francisco restaurants with at least one Michelin star include Gary Danko, Sons & Daughters, Acquerello, Lazy Bear, Kin Khao, The Shota, Mourad, Mister Jiu's, Birdsong, Bar Crenn, SPQR, O' by Claude Le Tohic, Omakase, Niku Steakhouse, Californios, Saison, and Campton Place.

Other noteworthy restaurants are Rich Table (awarded one Michelin star), which specializes in California cuisine; The Slanted Door, an upscale Vietnamese restaurant; and a Mano, which offers handmade Italian pasta and other authentic Italian specialties.

Set on the Embarcadero waterfront, the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant delights guests with sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, locally caught seafood, and seasonal farm-to-table cuisine. The chef works with fishermen, farmers, ranchers, and hunters, to source the highest quality and freshest ingredients possible.

For those who prefer vegetarian cuisine, the city has a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants .

Across the bay from San Francisco is another foodie town. The farm-to-table California cuisine movement began in Berkeley over 50 years ago with the opening of Alice Water's Chez Panisse bistro. Today this quaint, cozy restaurant still offers superb French-inspired cuisine.

The area around Chez Panisse, known as the Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood, is brimming with other excellent restaurants including Lo Coco's, a Sicilian restaurant & pizzeria, and Vanne Bistro at the Sens Hotel.

A short drive from the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley is the trendy Temescal neighborhood in Oakland, which has great restaurants such as Burma Superstar, an authentic Burmese restaurant, and Pizzaiolo, which serves Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

One of the top day trips from Los Angeles , Malibu epitomizes California beach culture. The area is prized for its pristine sandy beaches, where sun worshippers soak up the rays. Outdoor sports enthusiasts play beach volleyball, while nature lovers take walks to admire the crashing ocean waves.

Some of the most popular Malibu beaches include Zuma Beach , an amenities-packed two-mile stretch of fine-white-sand shoreline that's an ideal place to stretch out on a beach towel or lounge chair; Malibu Lagoon State Beach , where the Malibu Pier and Malibu Farm Restaurant are located; and Big Dume Beach , a wide crescent of golden sand in a cove backed by rugged ocean bluffs.

For the most idyllic scenery, try Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu. Tucked into a small cove, this picture-perfect beach has been used as a film set for Hollywood movies and television shows. The beach features a sheltered setting, gentle waves, and a beachfront café with a shaded outdoor terrace. The Paradise Cove Beach Café rents out lounge chairs and sun umbrellas.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Malibu, CA

Winter is one of the best times to visit California if you enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding. The state is home to some of the best ski resorts in the United States , including Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe.

Other top ski resorts in California include Heavenly Ski Resort in the Lake Tahoe area and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in the Eastern Sierra, just over a five-hour drive from Los Angeles. Both Heavenly and Mammoth Mountain have superb terrain parks in addition to extensive alpine ski slopes.

Music lovers come from far and wide to attend some of California's most popular festivals. High-caliber performances and a fun-loving social atmosphere makes these festivals worth a detour.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most famous and exciting festivals with hugely popular concerts that draw jam-packed crowds. The lineup features some of the biggest names in current rock, pop, hip hop, and electronic music. Legendary performers like Beyoncé, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Björk, Daft Punk, and Amy Winehouse have performed at Coachella.

Held in the Coachella Valley about a 30-minute drive from Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival takes place over two weekends in April and sells out ahead of time.

Besides amazing music concerts, the festival is known for its lively atmosphere as well as the food & drinks. The festival offers outdoor dining options catered by top-notch restaurants.

Many festival-goers camp near the concert venue; car camping and tent camping sites are available.

Pamper yourself with a spa vacation in Santa Barbara, a glamorous seaside town with laid-back vibes.

Known for its recreational activities and cultural attractions , Santa Barbara features a beautiful crescent of sandy coastline tucked behind the Santa Ynez Mountains, and is sometimes called "The American Riviera" because of its fancy beachfront resorts and restaurants.

Thanks to its peaceful natural environment, Santa Barbara is one of the best places to visit in California for a spa retreat . The selection ranges from facilities at five-star resort hotels to specialty boutique spas.

For a slice of heavenly serenity, escape to San Ysidro Ranch in the foothills above Montecito (six miles from Santa Barbara). This secluded hideaway offers romantic bungalow cottages, each with its own private entrance and blossoming garden frequented by hummingbirds and honeybees. The property's full-service spa is set in a grove of oak trees with a shaded outdoor terrace. Guests may choose from a variety of spa treatments, such as facials, haircuts and hair styling, aromatherapy, and massages.

Other luxurious spas include the boutique spa at El Encanto , a five-star resort hotel that dates to the 1920s; Float Luxury Spa that offers facials, massages, and beauty treatments; the Sense Spa , which has a Forbes Five-Star rating , at the Rosewood Miramar Beach resort in Montecito; and the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara .

After relaxing at a spa, end your day on a high note with a gourmet meal at one of Santa Barbara's chic restaurants. Top restaurants in Santa Barbara include bouchon , which offers French-inspired cuisine prepared from fresh local ingredients; The Palace Grill , a happening restaurant that serves the finest New Orleans (Cajun Creole) cuisine; and Los Agaves , an award-winning family-owned Mexican restaurant.

California's ancient redwood forests awe visitors with their stately natural splendor. These primeval forests are home to old-growth coastal redwood trees ( Sequoia sempervirens ), the tallest trees in the world , which soar to impressive heights. Some of the oldest coastal redwood trees reach 375 feet in height (the equivalent of a 35-story building).

The North Coast region (which extends from Fort Bragg in California to Josephine County in Oregon) is the only place in the world that sustains ancient redwood forests, although what remains is only a fraction of the original old-growth forests (destroyed by logging since 1849). Along a few hundred miles of coastline, the cool, damp ocean air and rich, complex soils provide just the right conditions for the redwood trees.

Redwood forests have thrived in this environment for 160 million years; that's the Jurassic era when dinosaurs roamed the shady groves. Some of the oldest trees you'll see in forests today have been alive for 2,000 years (since the Roman Empire era), and many of the trees are 600 years old.

California's Redwood National and State Parks (Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park) are found within the northernmost corner of California, in the rugged and unspoiled Humboldt County (Eureka is the main town), along the coastal stretch that extends north of Trinidad to Crescent City near the Oregon border.

Together these four parks cover 16,442 hectares of old-growth redwood forests, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , as well as an International Biosphere Reserve .

A network of hiking trails winds through the Redwood National and State Parks , which were created to protect the region's old-growth coastal redwood forests. The James Irvine Trail is one of the best hikes in California's Redwood National and State Parks .

There are also pockets of old-growth redwood forests in other areas of northern California. The redwood forests of Marin County or Mendocino County would be a good choice, if you do not want to make the long drive up to Humboldt Country.

The most easily accessible ancient redwood forest in California is Muir Woods National Monument . This popular tourist destination is one of the best day trips from San Francisco (a short drive form San Francisco), but gets overwhelmed with visitors. You must make a parking or shuttle bus reservation in advance. Organized tours are recommended.

Whichever old-growth forest you visit, prepare to be blown away by the otherworldly beauty. Wander through the dense shady canopies, with sunlight barely filtering in through the towering redwood trees.

The lush, tranquil scenery includes leafy ferns, moss-covered river banks, and a wide variety of wild mushrooms. Trails follow alongside babbling brooks and crystal-clear freshwater streams, adding to the peaceful experience.

Thrill-seeking, adventure-loving outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to choose from in California. For those who enjoy camping, hiking, and rock climbing, Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place to visit.

The park has short and long hiking trails to appeal to all abilities. This is a wonderful way to get out into the desert and soak up the scenery. Several campgrounds in Joshua Tree NP offer beautiful spaces to set up and enjoy a night under the stars.

Joshua Tree's 8,000 climbing routes make it a world-class rock-climbing destination. The park's high-desert monzo-granite rock faces and boulders provide challenges suitable for all ability levels.

Yoga was introduced to California in 1937, when the Indian yogi Swami Paramahansa Yogananda created a hermitage in Encinitas (San Diego County) in Southern California. Later, the hippie movement of the 1960s increased the general interest in practicing yoga.

Today, yoga is part of California's popular culture. Classes and retreats are designed to offer physical, as well as health and spiritual, benefits. Tourists who choose to attend a yoga or meditation retreat will be rewarding with a rejuvenating experience. Most of California's yoga and meditation retreat centers are found in picturesque surroundings.

Green Gulch Farm Zen Center is set on 115 acres in Marin County (about an hour's drive north of San Francisco), nestled in an idyllic valley just a short walk from the Pacific Ocean. A short trail leads from the center, through a wooded grove to the beautiful Muir Beach . Green Gulch has a traditional Japanese guesthouse, a retreat center, and an eight-acre organic farm.

Also in Marin County, the Spirit Rock Meditation Center is cradled by oak-studded rolling hills in the sunny San Geronimo Valley. The center offers classes on Buddhism and meditation, as well as weeklong meditation retreats.

California is on the forefront of organic farming and produces almost half the organic food products in the country (including nearly 70 percent of the nation's organic vegetables). Organic farming has a mission of enhancing biodiversity and restoring ecological harmony, along with supplying consumers with pesticide-free fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other food commodities.

An awareness about organic food products is part of California culture. The majority (90 percent) of California households regularly purchase organic food products, and many people frequently shop at local farmers markets.

Tourists enjoy visiting Sonoma County in Northern California, a picturesque rural area with many small organic farms. With its rolling hills, dense oak groves, and freshwater streams, Sonoma is one of the most beautiful places to visit in California .

Sonoma County Farm Trails lists farms that are open to the public. Happy Apples Farm in Healdsburg has a picnic area and a farm stand that sells apples from its organic orchard. Lavender Bee Farm grows fields of organic lavender plants and sells soap, bouquets, lavender blossom honey, and lavender oil at its farm boutique.

McEvoy Ranch , a family-owned organic olive-tree estate, produces extra-virgin olive oil made in the Tuscan style and also has workshops and tours available by reservation. Bivalve Dairy in Petaluma is an organic farm that welcomes the public for guided tours.

Visitors could also sample the local bounty by taking a food tour. The Small-Group Sonoma Walking Food Tour allow participants to taste locally made artisanal cheeses, olive oil, and chocolates. The tour also includes a progressive lunch at various food shops on the historic plaza in downtown Sonoma, as well as a visit to the Mission San Francisco Solano.

With its awe-inspiring coastal scenery, Big Sur has welcomed spiritual seekers for decades. The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center is set in the remote Los Padres National Forest just outside Big Sur. The center welcomes guests for day visits and overnight stays in the spring and summer.

Set on a hillside on the Big Sur coastline, the Esalen holistic educational center offers astounding ocean views and interesting workshops.

Not to be missed are the dramatic coastal stretches featuring oceanfront mountains and rocky headlands as well as hidden coves that tame the mighty Pacific waters. One of Big Sur's most beautiful sights , Sand Dollar Beach dazzles with its unspoiled natural scenery, a swatch of fine white-sand shoreline backed by an ocean bluff.

For an easy yet thrilling jaunt along the coastline, add the McWay Waterfall Trail in Big Sur to your list. This short trail (only 0.6-mile round-trip) takes you to the most frequently photographed site in Big Sur, the 80-foot McWay Waterfall , which drops from a sheer cliff into a small sandy cove.

Another top hike in Big Sur is the trail that leads to Partington Cove , indicated by a green gate just off Highway One. The one-mile round-trip hike leads through a historic tunnel and down a steep hillside to a small rocky cove. Except for a bench, there are no amenities. Please be aware that you should not venture past the bench. Unstable rocks and unpredictable surf create unsafe conditions.

Read More: Top-Rated Campgrounds near Big Sur & Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, CA

Many small organic farms are scattered throughout the Paso Robles region of Central California. Focused on sustainable farming, Windrose Farm in Paso Robles supplies local farm-to-table restaurants and farmers markets, and also hosts farm stays, tours, and seasonal dinners.

In Paso Robles, travelers can spend the night in a tranquil setting surrounded by rolling hills and olive orchards. The Rêves de Moutons in Paso Robles offers bed-and-breakfast farm stays amid vine-covered rolling hills. The farm produces traditional French-style sheep and goat milk cheese.

The serene mountain-enclosed desert environment of Lake Perris in southern California has a mystical quality, and its star-filled skies provide the perfect backdrop for a camping getaway . The shrubby desert environment blooms with wildflowers during the wet season, and during the springtime attracts hummingbirds as well as other migratory birds.

Besides its opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation (such as swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, cycling, and rock climbing), Lake Perris is the venue for the Desert Daze festival that takes place over several days in October and November.

This independent rock festival features an eclectic lineup of alternative and psychedelic rock. The festival site on Moreno Beach at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area includes campgrounds and lockers. Festival-goers can stay in the camping village and bring their own food.

The suburbs of San Francisco extend for about 40 miles south of the city, which represents the Peninsula region of the Bay Area. Although the Peninsula is dotted with little towns, the region has many open-space preserves and regional parks in the forested rolling hills.

A serene coastal mountain environment awaits nature lovers at Huddart Park in Woodside, 35 miles south of San Francisco (approximately a 45-minute drive). This regional park encompasses over 900 acres of second-growth redwood forest, grassy meadows, chaparral-covered hillsides, and canyons traversed by seasonal creeks (during winter and springtime). Visitors love the picnic areas with barbecue pits, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and the children's playground.

Less than 30 miles south of San Francisco, the Filoli estate would seem more at home in England or France. The estate's 16-acre English Renaissance-style garden draws many visitors in springtime when thousands of tulips bloom, and in summer when the Rose Garden is at the peak of its beauty.

Open year-round, the estate is gorgeous in every season, thanks to its bucolic setting in a sheltered valley below the Santa Cruz Mountains. Filoli is a National Trust Historic Site .

Garden enthusiasts can continue their tour several miles farther south in Los Altos at the Hakone Estate and Gardens , listed on the National Register of Historic Places . In 1918, Isabel Stine created Hakone Gardens based on inspiration from the historic gardens of Japan. She had recently sailed to Japan for a tour of Japanese garden estates.

Hakone Gardens exemplify the Japanese ideal of cultivating nature, which has been part of the Buddhist tradition for centuries. The estate includes hillside gardens, walking paths, waterfalls, koi ponds, and a Zen Garden.

About an hour drive south of San Francisco, Hidden Villa in the Los Altos Hills invites the public to discover its organic farm and lovely pastoral grounds. Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Hidden Villa also has eight miles of hiking trails and picnic areas and hosts special events.

The picturesque Ojai Valley spreads out for about 10 miles between the soaring Topa Topa Mountains, a range which runs on an east-west axis. Thanks to its unique geography in southern California (a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles), the sunsets feature breathtaking rosy-toned hues. The few minutes at evenfall, when the colors seem to glow, are known as the "Pink Moment" (a tourist attraction in itself).

For decades, this peaceful valley has attracted organic farmers and hippies, who have been drawn by the area's special energy. The Chumash Indians settled the land of the Ojai Valley about 10,000 years ago and regarded the valley as a sacred place.

The tranquil natural setting also appeals to visitors in search of relaxation and rejuvenation. Top things to do in Ojai include visiting the area's hot springs, meditation centers, and resorts that focus on wellness.

In the Ojai Valley (90 miles north of Los Angeles and 35 miles from Santa Barbara), Meditation Mount is beautifully situated on a sheltered hillside with spectacular views. The center includes a Meditation Room, Chi Room, and The International Garden of Peace for walking meditation. The center's wilderness setting provides a sense of sacredness and tranquility, to inspire meditation practice. Visitors must preregister for a visitation time; there are no overnight stays.

Dating back to 1874, the town of Ojai delights tourists with its bohemian vibes and charming Spanish Mission-style architecture. Brimming with antique stores, art galleries, and other locally owned boutiques, Ojai is an interesting place to go for a stroll. It's fun to shop for regional products such as artisanal pottery, olive oil, and honey.

More on California

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 .  

Get your FREE California Travel Planner + a printable checklist to help you plan your trip!

PRACTICAL INFO FOR CALIFORNIA

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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.

Looking for more California travel inspiration? Check out these related posts below!

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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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The best things to do in California that no one has told you about yet

Sep 9, 2023 • 7 min read

California offers the perfect package of things to do year round © Zephyr 18 / Getty Images

California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees – but that’s only part of the picture.

Along with the longest coastline in the continental  USA , the Golden State offers small-town getaways, snowy adventures, fine food and wine, Indigenous culture and unique natural encounters.

For travelers looking for all of this and more, here’s a primer for some of the best things to do in California that are a little off the beaten track.

1. Seek winter adventures in the mountains

Peaks ideal for winter recreation are easy to find in elevated, snow-capped areas of California. Climbing to 14,179ft, Mt Shasta in the far north of the state is a playground for cross-country skiing, night skiing and snow tubing from mid-December to April.

Inland from Fresno, Mammoth Mountain in the High Sierras receives an average of 30ft of snow each season. It’s a great place to clip onto a snowboard, strap on some snowshoes or go dog-sledding. At the end of an active day, bed down in some of America’s coziest ski-in-ski-out holiday rentals, lodges and resorts.

In Southern California , go snowboarding in the state’s freestyle capital, Big Bear, or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mt San Jacinto to access winter camping sites and prime spots for family snowball fights. If you’d rather stay warm, Palomar Mountain offers scenic seasonal drives through cedar, pine, and fir trees.

2. Dine at award-winning restaurants

A multicolored array of fresh produce (a third of the nation’s fruit and nuts are grown in California) and top-notch local meats and seafood bring superior flavors to the state’s world-renowned restaurant scene. In big cities and small towns, dining options range from hip street eats to casual diners and high-end fine dining.

California is no stranger to food awards, regularly those garnered by restaurants in global capitals  San Francisco and Los Angeles . Such recognition underscores California’s status as a powerhouse foodie destination.

3. Follow California’s wine trails

Most travelers instantly link Californian wine to the famous  Napa Valley  – but the state is home to more than 130 distinct, federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Beyond Napa, start your oenophile adventure in Russian River Valley in Sonoma County (we recommend Sonoma-Cutrer ’s tasty chardonnay and pinot noir).

Lodi in the Central Valley is primarily known for its zinfandels, but the region is fast emerging as a top destination for less familiar grape varieties such as albariño and vermentino – check out the crisp whites made by Klinker Brick Winery .

Closer to the coast  in Paso Robles, the Tin City food and wine market hosts Desparada Wines , known for its French- and Italian-influenced reds, whites and blends. Meanwhile, Temecula in Riverside County – between LA and San Diego – is ideal syrah-growing country.

4. Learn about California’s Indigenous cultures

Innovative cultural centers, sacred sites, learning spaces and hands-on arts-and-crafts experiences are just some of the many ways visitors can learn more about the 100-plus federally recognized tribes in California.

Near Eureka on the  North Coast , Fort Humboldt State Historic Park has exhibits that explore how miners and settlers interacted with many different California tribes, including the Karok, Hupa, Wiyot, Yuki and Shasta.

After biking the American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) in Folsom (300 miles south of Eureka), stop in at the Folsom History Museum to view exhibits about the area’s Indigenous peoples and Gold Rush history. A new museum devoted to the experiences of Folsom’s Chinese Americans is in the works.

For something more hands-on, take basket-making and other crafts classes at the Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Cultural Center east of Bakersfield, near Sequoia National Forest . You can also shop for woven baskets and other Indigenous arts and crafts from local makers at the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center in Bishop, a small town that’s a favorite of bouldering, mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts.

Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park near Santa Barbara features rock art thought to have been painted by the Chumash people in the 1600s and earlier. Continuing south toward Los Angeles – home to America’s largest Indigenous population – the Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center highlights the history and culture of the Chumash, Kitanemuk, Serrano, Tataviam and Tongva tribes.

In the Coachella Valley, construction is underway on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ Cultural Plaza . The Spa at Séc-he – powered by mineral-rich waters from a nearby hot spring that the Cahuilla have used for healing and spiritual purposes for centuries – is now open, and future plans for the plaza include a museum.

In San Diego County, the area now covered by the Mission Trails Regional Park played an important role for Indigenous Kumeyaay and Luiseño people. It remains a fine spot for hiking, mountain biking, trail riding and weekend camping.

5. Experience American culture in California’s small towns

Small towns offer the best of the US – and California is no exception. North of San Francisco, Chico is a vibrant college hub surrounded by farming communities – always a good sign when seeking out great food in California’s northeast. The town’s  Bidwell Park is a great spot for splashing around in swimming holes, riding horses, fishing and hiking. You can also tour the highly regarded Sierra Nevada Brewing Company brewery and admire work by local artists at the Museum of Northern California Art .

Located in the Trinity Mountains a few hours north of Redding, Dunsmuir is a well-loved fly-fishing destination and a notable stop for US railroad history buffs. Near Napa, Calistoga is a place to soak in soothing mineral waters at spa resorts that range from modest to opulent. Some are also clothing optional. Along California’s Central Coast , Cambria is an artsy seaside town dotted with cozy inns. It’s also the setting for Hearst Castle , the lavish former home of William Randolph Hearst and a must-visit stop for anyone driving the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Inland and easily accessible from Los Angeles, Ojai attracts wellness-seekers who also like the comfort of bedding down in boutique hotels. The mountain town of Idyllwild puts 30,000 acres of the San Jacinto Wilderness within reach, as well as art galleries, outdoor rock climbing and an annual outdoor jazz festival.

6. Witness remarkable natural events

California sees some amazing natural phenomena every year. If the timing aligns, try to catch the annual bioluminescence events in Point Reyes (Sonoma County), Long Beach (Los Angeles County), Newport Beach and Laguna Beach (Orange County) and San Diego .

During the day, the ocean takes on a reddish-brown hue from algal blooms, with these same microscopic organisms making the ocean light up at night. These “red tides” are best observed from land, however, as the algae produce toxins that can cause irritation for people with asthma and other medical conditions.

The annual monarch migration begins in November and runs through March, bringing vast numbers of these distinctive butterflies to the Central Coast, including Pacific Grove’s Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Monterey County. Though the number of butterflies is impressive, western monarch butterfly numbers have dwindled by 99% since the 1980s, likely because of a combination of climate change, drought conditions and habitat loss. If you’re lucky enough to witness these glorious butterflies, spare a thought for their fragility.

The annual whale migration is another good reason to visit northern California from December to April when some 20,000 gray whales pass by as they travel between Alaska and Mexico. And humpback whales, blue whales, orcas and other species are spotted year-round. Monterey Bay is the most famous whale-watching destination in California.

7. Shop for products made by California artisans

Locally made homewares, apparel and accessories can be found throughout the state, showcasing California’s renowned creativity. Sweet July in Oakland highlights Black-owned businesses and Bay Area makers; shop for kitchenware, jewelry and self-care products from producers such as Johanna Howard Home, 54 Thrones, and ByChari.

In Santa Ana, Alta Baja Market at 4th Street Market celebrates the food of California, the Southwest and Mexico. It's a good place to find wines from the emerging Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Mexico.

In Downtown Los Angeles , The Row houses sustainable fashion boutiques including Coast by Coast swimwear and Banks Journal menswear, as well as a wine shop, florist, produce market and restaurants.

8. Don’t forget the obvious California experiences

California’s best-known experiences are endlessly popular for a reason – so you can explore the beaten track without the threat of disappointment. Bask on California's beaches , soak up the big city buzz of Los Angeles and San Francisco, take amazing hikes in the California hills and enjoy the thrills in the state’s fantastic theme parks, including Disneyland . And don’t overlook outdoor adventures in such legendary national parks as Yosemite , Joshua Tree and Death Valley .

This article was first published Dec 2, 2021 and updated Sep 9, 2023.

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Attractions

26 incredible must-visit california tourist attractions.

Stretching along the Pacific Coast for hundreds of miles, California is filled with redwood forests, massive mountain ranges, and pristine beaches. The state offers breathtaking landscapes, each potentially the perfect setting for the ultimate California road trip .

It’s true that a lot of California’s top rated tourist attractions are nature-made, not man-made, like in other places in the United States. To me, that makes California the perfect place to unplug and get outside, refuel your mind, and leave the stress behind.

There’s plenty to do around this gorgeous state, so strap in and get ready for an action-packed vacation. This guide to the top California tourist attractions will help you plan your next Cali itinerary. Read on to discover the top tourist attractions and the best sights in California.

» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco , Los Angeles , Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey , waterfalls in Southern California , and national parks.

» Check out these 10 Gold Rush Towns In California To Visit.

Table of Contents

The Best Places to Visit in California – 25 Top Tourist Attractions

1.  disneyland.

A household name around the entire world, Disneyland Resort is split into two renowned theme parks (Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure). It’s really THE top attraction in California. And, you don’t have to be a kid to find something amazing there. We go at least once every year to see any new stuff. Check here for the best times to make the trip.

The rides are based on Disney franchises like Toy Story, Cars, and The Pirates of the Caribbean. Its latest addition—Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge—ensures that everyone can geek out regardless of age.

Planning your trip? We’ve got tons of helpful Disney planning guide s from our awesome list of 40 essential tips , to how to get to Disneyland , where to stay near Disney , what to pack , what to wear , where to park , and what to eat in both Disneyland and California Adventure.

2.  Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most-visited National Parks in the entire US. It’s an absolute masterpiece of scenic landscapes, mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls.

The park is home to famous sheer granite wall faces that have drawn adrenaline junkies for years. Yosemite is also the home of Mariposa Grove—a stand that holds some of the oldest and largest giant sequoia trees ever.

See our guide to the top sights in Yosemite . Yosemite is an easy day trip from San Francisco , though you will loves the views enough to spend a week.

You can book this day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite for the ultimate trip.     

3.  Universal Studios Hollywood

Getting behind the scenes of iconic movies or immersing yourself in the worlds of your favorite franchises is a recurring theme and a great starting point for your next vacation in California.

Get magical at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or go prehistoric in Jurassic World. Sets from these and other famous movies are open to the public. Restaurants live shows, and retail stores here are dedicated to these and many other movies.

Get your Universal Studios General Admission ticket here .

4.  The Hollywood Sign

A staple of the Los Angeles landscape is the iconic Hollywood Sign . Viewing the 45-ft tall sign on top of Mount Lee is guaranteed to happen regardless of where you are in the city.

Whether you are simply taking in the scenery of the mountain or getting up close and personal by hiking up through Griffith Park. The sign easily features as one of the top California tourist spots.

See the best Los Angeles has to offer with this full-day iconic LA tour . Did you know that there’s a hike you can take to the Hollywood sign. See this and other great Southern California hikes.

5.  Big Sur

A picturesque stretch of road, Highway No. 1 starts a few miles from Carmel and the great beaches of Monterey and winds its way to Salmon Cove. This piece of road-trip heaven bears the title of ‘Big Sur’.

Driving this road with epic views of the coast will soon become your next favorite place to see in California. Set right in the middle of sandy beaches and teeming forests, Big Sur delivers epic scenes such as McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach.

Make this part of a larger Northern California road trip to see it all.

6.  Golden Gate Bridge

As one of the best cities in California , San Francisco does quite throw around its weight as one of the top tourist attractions in California already. The Golden Gate Bridge is California sightseeing at its best.

The bridge is so iconic a landmark that it instantly comes to mind whenever anyone thinks of America. Truthfully pictures of the bridge do not do it justice. The vermilion orange giant set against San Francisco Bay needs to be experienced firsthand.

With so many great things to do in San Francisco , it should definitely be on your California itinerary.

Book a tour of the bay around the bridge here .

7.  San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo holds the title of the most popular zoo in the entire US. It draws nearly four million people annually, and it’s easy to see why.

The zoo is home to over 650 species of animals, which are displayed in the many varying sections of the zoo. These include Africa, Australia, the tropics, and the arctic.

Get your day pass tickets here .

As long as you’re going to be in San Diego, you should also see all the other things that make this city great for visitors, like the USS Midway museum.

8.  Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Lake Tahoe offers you something to do no matter the time of year .

In and around the lake, you can look forward to activities like hiking , mountain biking, boating, and more. That’s just for summer . During the winter months , skiing and snowboarding take the limelight.

Get the best Lake Tahoe experience with this 2-hour sailing cruise.

9. Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is home to a whopping 12,000 creatures native to the Pacific. With over 100 exhibits, you can look forward to seeing everything from frogs to giant deep-sea denizens such as Leopard sharks.

Considering the Pacific is the most diverse ocean, this aquarium showcases the widest variety of ocean life in the US, and you can book your admission ticket here .

10. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is a massive 800,000-acre national park made up of giant boulders, rock formations, and desert landscapes. It’s filled with a variety of places to visit, such as Keys View and the Cholla Cactus Garden.

The parks northern entrance is located in Twentynine Palms but it also spans the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert in parts of California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.

The landscapes within the park have made it a popular destination for music festivals, camping , hiking, and stargazing opportunities unlike any other. While in the park, be sure to check out Skull Rock, a huge boulder resembling an alien-like skull.

Explore the national park with this driving tour .

11. Hearst Castle

Officially called the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, this incredible 165-room monument was built by newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst in 1919.

This modern-day castle’s construction was never completed, even after 28 years. The result of different architectural designers is a blend of different architectural styles, which makes it one of the top tourist places in the State. At one point, it was home to the world’s biggest private zoo. There is still wildlife roaming on the property today.

12. Griffith Observatory

The stellar Griffith Observatory is the best place if you feel like getting unforgettable glimpses into space. It features a live narrated planetarium show and houses numerous giant telescopes which are open to public use.

Home to the Zeiss Telescope, you can catch unprecedented views of our solar system at the observatory. And, if you’re done inside, Griffith Park surrounds the observatory, which delivers excellent views and hikes of the region.

13. Sequoia National Park

The national park is home to many giant sequoias, which happen to be the oldest living trees on the planet. Being between 2,000 and 3,000 years old, these trees are a must-see.

Inside the park, there is also Mt. Whitney, which is the highest mountain in the continental US. Whether you want to head there for a hike, to marvel at the massive sequoias, or just find some serenity, this park offers it all.

14. Venice Beach

Venice Beach is one of America’s most famous beaches , with a world-renowned boardwalk. The beachfront stretches for miles, and there are many different recreational areas that line its edges.

Visitors to the beach can enjoy a number of activities as there are basketball courts, skate parks, and volleyball nets available. Venice Beach is also legendary among surfers, with pristine waters and giant waves—perfect for any extreme sports fan.

15. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is nothing less than stunning. The valley’s many rolling hills, beautiful vineyards, and architecture are incredibly picturesque.

Speaking of vineyards, the Napa Valley is one of the best California wine regions , home to over 400 wineries. Although famous for its wine, there are many other things to do when in Napa. Taking a hot air balloon tour over the area is a must.

Enjoy this Napa Valley wine-tasting tour .

16. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain will have your heart racing in the ultimate theme park dedicated to as much adrenaline as possible. The park boasts more than 100 rides, of which 19 are solely there to test your mettle and bravery.

The Goliath is one of the longest roller coasters in the world and has a 281-ft descent. The park also has a wide variety of live shows for some good entertainment and great restaurants for when you get hungry.

17. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Music lovers finding themselves in LA can delight in the most acoustically advanced music venue in the world—the Walt Disney Concert Hall .

Not only is the musical nature of the building unlike anything else, but the concert hall is visually stunning. The venue is the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Many internationally famous musicians have also performed intimate and amazing shows here.

18. Dodger Stadium

You can’t experience one of the best states in America without the joy of going to a Major League Baseball game. Dodger Stadium in LA is the home ground for this national sport.

Get tickets to one of the many games hosted at the stadium, or opt for a tour of the stadium to delve into its history. With seats for 56,000 fans and scenery filled with towering palm trees around the stadium, sports fanatics and scenery-chasers will feel at home.

19. Hollywood Walk of Fame

The globally known 1-mile stretch along Hollywood Boulevard represents over 2,700 of the world’s most famous celebrities. Tour the boulevard with an exciting hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

As if getting up close with the famous stars lining the boulevard isn’t enough, you’re bound to see your favorite celebrity strolling by. Well, technically, you’ll be surrounded by impersonators—but you’d be hard-pressed to find the differences rather than similarities.

20. Dolby Theater

While you’re ‘stargazing’ on Hollywood Boulevard, pay a visit to the Dolby Theater . The pioneer playground for modern innovations in sound and visuals, this theater is one-of-a-kind.

The annual host for the Academy Awards and a popular stage for artists such as Celine Dion, the theater also hosts international performances like Cirque du Soleil. Though you’ll find impersonators on the street, inside the Dolby Theater is where you’ll meet the real celebrities.

21. Santa Catalina Island

One of the smaller islands off the California coast, this little piece of paradise is a favorite for tourists looking for unique beaches, great hiking , and amazing views.

The island has a rich history and various ways to explore this. Avalon Beach is where you’ll head for crystal clear Pacific waters to snorkel and dive. Heading out onto the sea on a glass-bottom boat is truly fun. You can also visit the Avalon Underwater Dive Park for more fun.

22. Death Valley National Park

The notorious Death Valley is a premier spot for sightseeing in California. Salt fields, parched landscapes, sand dunes, mountains, and rock formations make this one of the most inhospitable terrains in the world.

Don’t be scared off, though, as the national park has a distinct beauty to it. Numerous viewpoints and short trails flow through areas such as Stove Pipe Walls, Badwater Basin, and Dante’s View.

23. Alcatraz Island

Escaping from Alcatraz was said to be impossible. Only three inmates were rumored to have done so, but nowadays, there are millions heading toward the prison rather than running from it.

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in California, you can head to the island via a ferry from San Francisco. Once there, you can choose a number of tours to explore the prison. There is much to explore, with locations such as the Warden’s House and the lighthouse.

» Book your tour of Alcatraz here.

24. Winchester Mystery House

If you love a good mystery and enjoy some good old-fashioned scares, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is perfect for you. It’s one of the most haunted places in America, and sure to spook any who visit.

Beyond its structural beauty and completely crazy layout and design, the history of the house is what draws crowds. Try your hand at figuring out where all the ghosts come from, but be ready for goosebumps.

25. Cypress Tree Tunnel

If you’re after something straight from a fairy tale, Point Reyes is your go-to. Featuring locations such as the Cypress Tree Tunnel , where you might want to get some peace and quiet or snap the most striking social media shots, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The trees down this tunnel interlock, creating a perfect cove of tree trunks lining an eerily whimsical walkway.

26. Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is a majestic and often underrated gem nestled in California’s rugged Sierra Nevada mountains. As a first-time visitor, you’re about to embark on an adventure through one of America’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Encompassing a vast expanse of over 460,000 acres, Kings Canyon is renowned for its dramatic scenery that includes deep valleys, soaring mountains, and ancient giant sequoias. The park is divided into two main areas: the Grant Grove, home to the iconic General Grant Tree, one of the world’s largest living trees, and Cedar Grove, located in the heart of the canyon.

The park’s namesake, Kings Canyon itself, is one of the deepest canyons in North America, rivaling the more famous Grand Canyon in depth. The rugged terrain, dotted with serene meadows and powerful waterfalls, is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. You’ll find trails ranging from easy strolls through sequoia groves to challenging backcountry treks in the High Sierra.

Final Thoughts on these California Tourist Attractions

It’s impossible to capture everything that makes California a traveler’s paradise, and even more difficult to choose just a few highlights. No matter what you want to do or hope to experience during your trip to California, there is something for everyone.

Everything from sports, art, nature, science, and adventure, these must-visit California tourist attractions are only a taste of what you can expect. Get ready for a journey like you’ve never had before and head out to the wonderland that is California.

Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again. FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!

Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.

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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.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

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, wonderful hotels , 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.

Disneyland Resort/Christian Thompson

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. At day's end retreat to one of the island's top hotels . For instance, 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. 

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in California

By Kay Pierce · Last updated on February 4, 2024

With so many man-made attractions, natural playgrounds and dramatic landscapes that are all world-famous, it is no wonder that California attracts millions of visitors from all over the globe.

Only in this state can one experience the likes of stunning coastal drives, a forest of the world’s tallest trees, a lake that offers year-round fun, magical theme parks and shows starring killer whales. To learn more about what to see and do in the Golden State, check out the following top tourist attractions in California .

10. Redwood National Park [SEE MAP]

The Redwood National Park is much more than tall trees. In this vast parkland of woodlands, rivers and miles of spectacular coastline, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fun outdoor activities. There are several interesting exhibits, guided walks and nature programs on offer at the various visitor centers.

Activities include horse riding and mountain biking along well-maintained trails, fishing for salmon and rainbow trout and kayaking down the trickling rivers. Scenic routes through the forest allow visitors to admire the amazing redwood trees, wildlife and waterfalls while a drive along the coastline offers breathtaking views of the ocean and glimpses of gray whales and seabirds.

9. SeaWorld San Diego [SEE MAP]

Situated in sunny San Diego , SeaWorld is characterized by its theme of marine mammals, daring rides and live shows. Through shows, displays and enclosures people can learn about the world’s oceans and the creatures that inhabit them such as dolphins, killer whales, walruses, penguins and Polar bears.

Rides include a flume roller coaster, rafting through the Shipwreck Rapids and a simulated helicopter ride to experience the Wild Arctic. The main attraction however is the Shamu Show, which involves dancing fountains and talented performances by killer whales.

See also: Where to Stay in San Diego

8. General Sherman [SEE MAP]

General Sherman is a Giant Sequoia located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in California. The trees of the Giant Forest are among the largest trees in the world. In fact, if measured by volume, five of the ten largest trees on the planet are located within this forest.

With a height of 275 feet the General Sherman tree is the largest of them all. The tree is believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.

7. Venice Beach [SEE MAP]

Venice Beach is one of Los Angeles , most popular beaches. The sandy three-mile beach here is just one of the attractions.

During the summer season and on weekends, the Ocean Front Walk fills up with street performers and people just doing their thing: biking, rollerskating, swimming, sunbathing, and people watching. Muscle Beach is a special area where fanatic bodybuilders pump iron in a public show of strength.

6. Dante's View - Death Valley [SEE MAP]

Set high on top of the Black Mountains, Dante’s View is a terrace that offers stunning views of Death Valley. This unique valley is home to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, as well as to the hottest and driest areas in North America. How hot is Death Valley? Well, temperatures in Death Valley’s Furnace Creek once reached a sizzling 134 degrees °F (57 °C).

Because temperatures can be so extreme in Death Valley, travelers are advised visit Dante’s View early in the morning, especially during the hottest months of the year.Travelers who visit Dante’s View on a clear day may be able to see Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the contiguous United States, and Mt. Whitney, the highest point.

5. Disneyland [SEE MAP]

Located in Anaheim , Disneyland is a world-famous amusement park where Walt Disney movies and characters all come to life in a magical, make-believe kingdom. Featuring thrilling rides, roller coasters, dazzling shows and colorful districts packed with restaurants and shops, Disneyland offers adventure for the whole family.

In themed neighborhoods like Main Street, USA, visitors can step back into the early 1900s, visit Tarzan’s Treehouse in Adventureland or meet Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck in Mickey’s Toontown.

4. Big Sur Coastline [SEE MAP]

Stretching about 90 miles along the Central Coast of California is one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. Known as Big Sur, this stunning coastline covers an area between Carmel and the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Most of the 3 million drivers who visit Big Sur every year travel the popular Highway 1 to admire and photograph some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Attractions along the route include the historic 40-foot Point Sur Lighthouse, Bixby Bridge, which is one of the world’s tallest single-span bridges, and the splendid, 80-foot McWay Falls plunge directly into the ocean.

3. Lake Tahoe [SEE MAP]

Created about 2 million years ago during the Ice Age, Lake Tahoe is one of the largest lakes in the world. The lake is located along the border between California and Nevada . Surrounded by majestic mountains, this popular tourist attraction offers exciting events and activities all year around.

In the winter, the main activities are snow skiing, snowmobile riding, snow-tubing and snowshoeing at one of the ski resorts. From spring to fall, visitors can enjoy a host of water sports and other activities like sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boating and swimming.

2. Golden Gate Bridge [SEE MAP]

The Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco is one of the most visited tourist attractions in California and the US. Spanning over the San Francisco Bay for more than a mile, this famous landmark is one of the world’s most photographed bridges.

The famous red-orange color of the bridge was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the bridge. The splendor of this bridge can be experienced by driving, walking, cycling or participating in a walking tour to learn about the rich history of the bridge.

See also: Where to Stay in San Francisco

1. Tunnel View - Yosemite National Park [SEE MAP]

Located in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central eastern California, Tunnel View is an overlook where visitors can enjoy amazing views of El Capital, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and the gorgeous Yosemite Valley.

The overlook, which was first built in 1993, was renovated in 2008. Tunnel View is very popular with park visitors, and it attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors a day during the tourist high season. Travelers can find Tunnel View at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel off of Wawona Road.

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Reader interactions.

May 16, 2017 at 8:50 am

great I used to live in California great place but they should add Lego land

May 1, 2017 at 4:46 pm

We are from Europe and we love San Diego, and do not like Disneyland !!! Santa Monica nothing special , beach, like all beaches in California, they all good.

October 30, 2016 at 7:51 pm

You missed such interesting places as Slab City and the nearby Salton Sea — not commercialized or publicized, but therein lies much of their fascination. Only a two- to three-hour drive from San Diego, and a vastly more interesting experience, away from the massed crowds

April 13, 2015 at 6:01 pm

planning our trip (June 2016) from Michigan to Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and finally to Yosemite before returning home. Want to take in as much as we can in our 30 days. California sure looks like the place to spend extra time in.

July 5, 2014 at 6:03 pm

Okay I’m going to assume this list is geared towards people that don’t get out much. Redwood forest awesome! Big Sur is a must! But please let’s just discuss Sea World, Disney Land and Venice Beach…for all you east coasters Disney Land is a joke compared to Disney World rest assured you will be dissapointed and Venice beach as much as I love it, it’s honestly a s**t hole the water is gross and the boardwalk is basically a tackier version of canal street if such a thing exists and SEA WORLD?! REALLY?! Maybe after we can petition to reopen the roman colosseum…

June 23, 2014 at 7:25 pm

this is very good info for a first time visit to California

June 17, 2014 at 11:07 pm

had an amzing time at disney land and at the national park 😉 thanks for the most fun!!

May 24, 2014 at 1:02 pm

I have been in Redwood National Park.I will also in the near future visit Disneyland with my family.My son will be very happy.

May 20, 2014 at 5:04 pm

i obviously love the san diego and disneyland parks, and they are full of imagination and fun

March 1, 2014 at 5:07 am

Pretty good list. I’d include the Monterey / Carmel area on the list as well. There’s tons of wildlife, beautiful views, good food and one of the best aquariums in the world. Also, I want to note that there’s a lot more to do in Sequoia, and neighboring Kings Canyon National Parks , than just visiting General Sherman. General Sherman is impressive but I found other parts of the parks much more interesting and less crowded. My wife and I have written extensively about the California nature scene on our travel blog: triptwitch.com

February 20, 2014 at 2:46 pm

Hopefully soon I could explore any of these listed attractions in California. My kids will be thrilled about Disneyland.

January 18, 2013 at 11:14 am

Well, I guess we’ve seen about half of the major attractions so far anyways. The kids’ favorite is of course Disneyland. I love Yosemite, and it looks like we’re going to have to go see old “General Sherman.” That tree is huge!

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The 12 Best California Attractions

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Yosemite National Park

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald 

You can see the Yosemite Valley an infinite number of photographs and films, but none of them can capture its stillness on a foggy morning, the thunderous roar of spring waterfalls, the resounding crack of frozen-solid Yosemite Falls thawing on a winter morning, or how small you'll feel next to its soaring granite walls.

It's as if Mother Nature put all her most spectacular elements in one spot so she could admire them all at once: the tallest waterfall in the United States (Yosemite Falls), the world's largest granite monolith (El Capitan), the Mariposa River and Half Dome.

Yosemite National Park , America's second national park, is justifiably popular, and even a short visit to the famed valley is worth your time. Stay longer, and you can enjoy more, photographing the Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, peering down on it from Glacier Point and venturing outside it to visit the Mariposa Grove of giant redwood trees, Tuolumne Meadows or Tenaya Lake.

Napa Valley Wineries

Betsy Malloy Photography

These top California attractions are the short list of things that everyone should think about doing when visiting the Golden State.

Our first "must-do" is a visit to the Napa Valley in northern California. Other parts of California might make wine that's just as good, but none have the draw of the Napa Valley . 

In 1976, the wine-tasting event commonly called the Judgment of Paris (depicted in the film Bottle Shock ) thrust California wines onto the world wine stage. But wine-making in Napa started long before that. Napa winemakers have been perfecting their vintages for a century and a half, starting in the mid-1800s when early settlers planted grapevines and dug wine caves into the valley's hillsides.

The "valley" in Napa Valley is narrow and scenic, barely five miles wide and running for about 30 miles between the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountains, its two main thoroughfares lined with vineyards and winery tasting rooms.

Napa wineries offer many ways to taste wine from walk-up tastings to paired wine dinners. Choose any of the wineries featured in the  Guide to the best Napa Valley wineries and you will enjoy your experience.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This iconic red-orange bridge has been featured in the movies and is a long-standing symbol of San Francisco. The perfect marriage of geography and design makes it appealing to the eyes.

Golden Gate views are so varied that you could spend an entire day just driving around admiring it. One of the draws is the landmark engineering achievement it represents. Its feet rest in some of the world's most tumultuous water, its cables drape across the first bridge support ever constructed in the open ocean and it boasts a construction safety record that was extraordinary for its day. The ​ Golden Gate Bridge officially opened on May 27, 1937, the longest bridge span in the world at the time.

To get a sense of the size of the Golden Gate Bridge, take a walk across it. There is a pedestrian walkway and distance is 1.7 miles (one way). You'll be standing 220 feet above the water at mid-span. The boats passing under the bridge will look very small. On foggy days you may find that on the San Francisco side things are socked in, but as you walk toward the Marin County side, the sun may magically appear.

Big Sur Coastline

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Along the section of California's coastline between Hearst Castle and Carmel, the land plunges precipitously into the Pacific Ocean, with what seems to be a little bit of highway clinging to the cliffs. California Highway One takes you along a stretch of road with powerful scenery. There are turnouts where you can admire the ocean and the cliffs of Big Sur.

You can drive those 90 miles straight through in about three hours or linger a bit, have a meal overlooking the coast at Nepenthe restaurant , tour the Point Sur Lighthouse , or check out the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach . For an even more intensive experience, consider an overnight stop at Ventana Inn .

There are man-made structures to wow you as well. Thirteen miles south of Carmel you'll encounter one of the world's highest single-span concrete arch bridges, Bixby Bridge, constructed almost 90 years ago. Over 260 feet high and over 700 feet long, it is an engineering masterpiece, and probably the most photographed object along the route.

As you might expect in such a rugged part of the coast, slides can cause temporary closures so it is wise to check the road reports before making your plans to Highway One through Big Sur. 

General Sherman Tree, Sequoia National Park

The world's largest tree is an impressive 275 feet tall and 36.5 feet wide (83.8 by 11.1 meters). It's an awe-inspiring experience to stand at the foot of the General Sherman Tree, craning your neck to see the top, looking at branches thicker than you are tall.

Nearby and only slightly smaller are eight of the 20 biggest trees on earth, some of them as old as 3,500 years.

This little strip of mountain terrain is the only place in the world where Sequoiadendron giganteum grow. Sequoia National Park encompasses the Kings River Canyon, a place John Muir called "a rival of Yosemite," yet, by comparison, it's nearly free from the crowds that flock to Yosemite.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle was the residence of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, and in 1954 it was turned into a California State Park. The main building at Hearst Castle is a massive, 56-bedroom, 61-bathroom mansion, built on a remote hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The castle is surrounded by three guest houses that are larger than most people's homes, 127 acres of gardens, an outdoor swimming pool named after the Roman god of the sea, tennis courts and, in Hearst's day, the world's largest private zoo.

Hearst Castle could justifiably be called a monument to eccentric excess, on a scale not possible in the twenty-first century. And that may be what makes it so fascinating.

The spot alone is worth a journey, just for the views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding terrain from the top of Enchanted Hill. You can the castle, skillfully assembled by architect Julia Morgan incorporating Hearst's monumental collection of European antiquities. You can also get a glimpse into the life of the newspaper mogul who created it; his home movies are almost as much fun to watch as the house is to tour.

The Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood of the past with movie studios and homes of movie stars is more of a romantic dream than a reality in the 21st Century, but there's one attraction you can see that's iconic Hollywood for sure - the Hollywood Sign.

Sitting on a hillside facing the Los Angeles basin with 9 of the 13 original letters that once read Hollywoodland surviving, is the large but simple white sign. The sign was erected in 1923 by a developer who invested in the upscale real-estate development called Hollywoodland, capitalizing on the growing recognition of Hollywood as a romantic, movie industry mecca.

It's survived fires, vandals, the elements, attempted real estate development and attempts at imitation. 

When you see the Hollywood sign , and you can from lots of places around town, you'll want to savor the memory of a bygone Hollywood. You can hike up for a closer view of the sign but no one can get very close anymore as its fenced off.  

Disneyland holds an important place in American culture. The first theme park ever still sets the standards for all others, regularly raising the bar in innovative entertainment and family-oriented fun.

Disneyland was the first of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, and opened on July 17, 1955. It is the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.

Where else could you watch a grand parade, see blazing fireworks, soar over London and take a ride through outer space all in one day?

Disneyland has grown from a theme park to a vacation destination. There are three hotels on the property, making visits convenient and keeping the magic alive when you leave the park. New rides, attractions, and shows are added and old favorites upgraded to keep things fresh.

Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park

TripSavvy / Amanda Capritto

It's hard to resist the appeal of extremes and Badwater Basin is not only the lowest spot in the United States at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level but also the site of the highest temperature ever recorded. It was 134 degrees F (56.7 C) there on July 10, 1913. It's only 85 miles away from Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.

All of Death Valley looks like it was designed by a minimalist, and Badwater could be the starkest spot in the entire national park, a wide, flat salt pan. 

Death Valley is a fascinating place to visit. In the spring, the wildflowers are amazing. The landscape is changing, however, after massive flooding in 2015 . Scotty's Castle , a dream home in the desert, providing a window into the life and times of the Roaring '20s and Depression '30s, is closed until 2020 at least but there are ranger tours that bring visitors to look at the reconstruction.

You can visit in summer but must be prepared for harsh conditions. Spring and fall are ideal. There are several entrances into this vast national park but the Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the ideal place to start your trip into Death Valley.

Iconic California Beaches

California's beaches are part of its mystique, embedded in pop culture since the Beach Boys crooned about them and Frankie Avalon kissed Annette Funicello on a beach towel in the movies.

Surfing is also an integral part of California beach culture, so important that cities go to court for the right to call themselves Surf City. And some of the world's biggest waves draw elite surfers to the Mavericks surfing competition  near Half Moon Bay—but only when the waves are big enough.

If you're from a landlocked place, a visit to a California beach is an absolute must. Even if you live near the sea, you won't have to look far to find a California beach that's different than what you have at home. In California, you can find urban beaches lined with houses and sidewalks, rocky sea stacks bathed in mist, beaches covered in purple sand, or pebbly stretches full of sea glass.

One way to see the diversity of California beaches is to drive California Highway One . The drive begins in San Diego, at the southern end of the state, then travels north to beach towns, through elegant Santa Barbara, then north to Big Sur. Continue on to more beaches and attractions in Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Highway One ends in scenic San Francisco.

California Farm to Table Agriculture

When visiting California, it's important to seek out the local farmers' markets. It's a great way to experience one of the great pleasures of living in California, where ninety percent of all the fresh vegetables consumed in the United States are grown.

Buy a single peach, a vine-ripe heirloom tomato or a basket of berries picked ripe that morning. On the coast, visit farm stands and buy fresh artichokes or Brussels sprouts.

Besides all the great produce, you'll find things at the farmer's market you can take home as a gift or edible souvenirs: dried fruits, jam, honey, herbs, handmade jewelry - and you'll always find a few eat-on-the-spot food stands as well.

Farmers markets happen somewhere almost any day of the week and in summer, a trip to an evening neighborhood market lets you feel like a local. You'll find markets in the San Francisco area , in the rich Central Valley and in towns all through California . 

Finding California's Best: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall

Our last must-see is actually four attractions, one for each season of the year.

Spring: California Poppies in Antelope Valley

Every few years, conditions align to bring out a wildflower display in California's Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve that could leave you nearly speechless. It's a magical experience to find yourself in a landscape ablaze with orange flowers as far as you can see in every direction. 

You'll see California poppies on hillsides and along highways when the timing is right. 

In general, the poppies bloom from mid-February through mid-May. 

Summer: Lassen Volcanic Park

California summers can be extraordinarily hot inland and extraordinarily foggy at the coast. And finally, it thaws out enough in northern California for Lassen Volcanic Park to open. The southernmost volcano along the Pacific Coast last blew its top in 1915, 65 years before the Mt. St. Helens' eruption.

Lassen can be a spectacular stop. The park is centered on the lava dome, one of the most massive on earth, with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, and places with colorful names like Bumpass Hell.

Autumn: Fall Color East of the Sierras

Golden colored aspen trees seem to spill down the mountainsides like drips down the sides of an untidy painter's bucket. They reflect in clear mountain lakes while individual branches of gold, heart-shaped leaves arch delicately over mountain streams.

The best places to see golden aspen trees in California are on the eastern slope of the Sierras along US Highway 395. The eastern Sierras provide a perfect storm of conditions for the trees to grow. They don't tolerate shade and thrive best in the plentiful sunshine, which they get under the open skies of Eastern California.

The town of June Lake and June Lake Loop are the perfect locations to start your leaf peeping. Along a 15-mile loop drive that passes through the town, you'll pass four lakes that provide the perfect mirror for the colorful foliage. 

Winter: Elephant Seal Rookery

Male Northern Elephant Seals stretch 14 to 16 feet long and weigh as much as 5,000 pounds, sporting a long, fleshy snout that inspired their name. They and their females spend ten months a year at sea, coming ashore along the California coast in December for a wild, two-month orgy of birthing, feeding, fighting, and mating.

Piedras Blancas , near Hearst Castle in central California, is a place you'll often see the elephant seals gather. It is a protected area. 

If you can't make it to Piedras Blancas, you can also see the elephant seals on docent-led tours at Ano Nuevo State Park south of San Francisco, but you'll need reservations.

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With the California Attractions Map it’s easy to plan the perfect California vacation or weekend getaway.  To get your planning going, you’ll find all the best attractions and fun ideas to get you off to a good start.

California has it all. There are mountains, deserts, forests, lakes, oceans and Hollywood! If the only things you can think of are Disneyland or the beach, study our map to pick out other great ideas. California is the third largest state in the U.S., and every part of it has something to do.

There are so many great attractions in California. Maybe you’ve already decided to visit northern California ,  the San Francisco Bay Area and the Napa-Sonoma Wine Country? Or are you trying to decide which Southern California area would be best for your family vacation? You can find suggested itineraries for all of these destinations under the Itineraries menu selection of our site.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 25 Best Things to Do in California

25 Best Things to Do in California

From sunny surf beaches to foggy forests, the Golden State has plenty to offer the adventurous tourist. Just driving along some of California’s highways can prove to be a life changing experience. The roads, stretching from Mexico to Oregon, seem to get more dramatic and spectacular with every mile marker passed. The state is as diverse in terms of culture as it is with its landscape. Everybody knows that California produces some of the world’s best entertainment by way of Hollywood but many may not know that it is also a world leader in technology and art.

California is a state where you can shake hands with Mickey Mouse and touch an Orca whale in the same day. You can admire the beauty of gigantic redwoods before witnessing one of the most hostile natural landscapes in the world. The Golden state is certainly not short of memorable experiences, here is our list of the best things to do in California :

1. Redwood National Park

The Redwood National Park is a vast expanse of beautiful woodland, rivers and coastline where visitors can partake in a wide range of outdoor activates. The Redwood trees are some of the oldest and tallest trees in the United States. The wildlife within the woodland and along the coast is extremely varied and consists of a number of rare and protected species. If you have only one day in the forest simply take a relaxed walk and allow yourself to stare up at the tallest trees on the planet. If you have longer, lengthy hike routes are available as well as five informative visitor centers and an 8 mile scenic drive known as the Coastal Drive.

Recommended tour : Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour

2. General Sherman

General Sherman is the name given to a Giant Sequoia found in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in California. This tree, like many of the others found in this forest, is amongst the largest in the world. The forest is home to five out of ten of the largest trees on the planet. General Sherman is around 275 feet tall and is suspected to have been around for between 2,300 – 2,700 years.

3. Venice Beach

The city of Los Angeles is renowned for its beautiful beaches and Venice beach is a stunning example. During the summer months, the beach accommodates many street performers as well as cyclists, roller-skaters, swimmers and, of course, sunbathers. Also found here is the famous Muscle Beach, an area where bodybuilders flex their muscles and show off their bodies in a open air, beach-side gym.

Related tour : Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Adventure

4. Death Valley

Although it is one of the most hostile natural environments on the planet, Death Valley is oddly beautiful. The unique valley is one of the hottest and driest areas in North America. The aptly named Furnace Creek once recorded temperatures of 134 degrees Fahrenheit, which, according to some, is the hottest air temperature ever, recorded on earth. Because of the extreme heat, travelers are advised to visit Death Valley in the early hours of the day. Dante’s View is a great place to see the valley and offers tremendous views on a clear day.

5. Disneyland

Arguably the most famous amusement park in the world, Disneyland is where all of Walt Disney’s most popular characters come to life. The park offers white-knuckle thrill rides, lively shops and restaurants as well as spectacular live shows featuring favorites such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Visitors will also find many themed areas such as Main Street, where they can step back in time to the early 1900’s.

6. The Big Sur Coastline

Spanning 90 miles of California’s Central Coast, the Big Sur is widely regarded as one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. Around 3 millions drivers travel the route, which stretches from Carmel to the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, every year. Along the way, drivers will find points of interest such as the Bixby Bridge, the tallest single-span bridge in the world, Point Sur lighthouse and the McWay Falls which cascade 80 feet into the ocean below.

7. Lake Tahoe

This gigantic lake, which is one of the largest in the world, was created during an ice around 2 million years ago. Located along the border between Nevada and California, the lake is a great place for activities in both summer and winter. Snowmobile driving and skiing are popular in the winter. In summer, tourists have the opportunity to sail, kayak or jet ski on the lake.

Related tour : South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

9. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. Every year the bridge is photographed countless times and visited by huge amounts of tourists from around the US and the world. The bridge spans the San Francisco bay for over a mile. Its red tone was purposely chosen to make the bridge more visible in the foggy conditions that frequently engulf the area. Drive, walk or cycle across the bridge. Alternatively, if the history of the landmark interests you, there are a number of guided tours available.

10. Yosemite National Park

The iconic Yosemite National Park is located within the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The park is home to three of the worlds ten tallest waterfalls and the largest single piece of exposed granite. Hiking within the park is a very poplar activity and it is also one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations. As well as spectacular nature, the park also has many quality restaurants and hotels, which allow travelers to dine and stay in this breath-taking setting.

Recommended tour:  Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

11. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, is home to over 3,700 animals of 650 species. The not-for-profit zoo sits on around 100 acres of San Diego parkland and is the largest zoological membership association in the world. Home to tigers, bears, monkeys, apes and elephants to name only a few the zoo has something to offer any animal lover. Over the years, the zoo has won several awards for its conservation programs and educational exhibits.

Book online : San Diego Zoo 1-Day Ticket

12. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is the site of the first US built fort and lighthouse on the United States’ west coast. The island is also home to the infamous federal penitentiary, which operated between 1934 and 1963. Although the prison was off limits to the public for many years, it is now open for tours and can even be visited at night time. Access to the island is by ferry and visitors are advised that the weather on the island can be unpredictable.

Suggested tour : Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

13. Griffith Observatory

This facility, located in Los Angeles and facing Mount Hollywood, is a self-proclaimed gateway to the cosmos. The Observatory offers visitors the opportunity to look through telescopes, watch live shows in the planetarium and admire stunning views of Mount Hollywood and LA.

Book online: Los Angeles: Griffith Observatory Hike

14. Hollywood Walk of Fame

This iconic sidewalk in Hollywood, comprises of more than 2,500 embedded stars with the names of various Hollywood legends contained within. Spanning 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame was introduced in 1953 and is one of the most recognizable sights in Los Angeles. Walking along the sidewalk is a great way to spend a few hours whilst trying to locate your favorite actors or directors.

15. Fisherman’s Wharf

The Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is one of the cities most popular landmarks and is often very busy. Pier 39 is a great place for shopping and admiring seals basking in the California sunshine. The wharf is also home to the peculiar Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum, a collection of bizarre and unusual objects from around the globe.

16. Getty Centre

Sitting on the olive green hills to the west of Hollywood, the Getty Centre is home to the Getty Museum and its fine collection of European and American art from various periods throughout history. The centre is also well known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, sculptures and panoramic views of Downtown LA and the ocean. Whilst entry to the centre is free, parking costs $15 for each vehicle.

17. San Francisco Cable Car System

This manually operated cable car system is the last of its kind in the world and offers the best way to see the city of San Francisco. Billed as the cities only moving historical landmark, the cable cars are set on three different routes with two ending in Fisherman’s Wharf. The Cable Car Museum can be found on Nob Hill and offers a wealth of information on the cable cars from construction to present day.

18. Chinatown

Located on Stockton Street and Grant Avenue in San Francisco, the Chinatown is the oldest in North America and largest outside of Asia. Chinatown hosts many events throughout the year and is home to significant buildings such as the Bank of Canton and Sing Chong building. The area is also a great place to sample authentic Chinese cuisine and explore exciting oriental shops.

19. Santa Monica Pier

This 100 year old land mark is Santa Monica’s most popular attraction. On the pier you will find the Pacific Park amusement park, the iconic red and yellow Ferris wheel and a vast amount of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. The pier is open all year for a leisurely stroll and offers plenty of events such as live music throughout the year.

20. La Brea Tar Pits

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits are the world’s most famous ice age excavation site. Despite a huge collection of 3.5 million fossils, the digging and excavations are not over and there are many projects on-going. The museum shows many of the fossils found on the site as well as providing visitors with more information on the forming of the tar pits and the excavation works.

Book online : La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket

21. RMS Queen Mary

The RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that sailed from 1936 to 1967. The ship is now docked in Long Beach and offers a unique experience of dining on the liner or even staying here in one of its many hotel rooms. The ship is also available for guided tours offering an in depth look into the ships past and seasonal events such as Dark Harbour, a Halloween themed event playing into the ships reputation as a haunted vessel.

22. Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrillo National Monument can be found at San Diego’s most southerly tip on the Loma Peninsula. The monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Cabrillo became the first European to set foot on, what is today, the West Coast of the United States of America. The Cabrillo Park is also home to wealth of information about 16th Century exploration.

23. California State Railroad Museum

The California State Railroad Museum was first opened to the public in 1976 and is one of Sacramento’s largest and most popular visitor destinations. The complex consists of six buildings completed at a cost of $30 million. The primary exhibit building, the Railroad History Museum, totals 100,000 square feet and was opened in May 1981. Twenty-one meticulously restored locomotives and numerous exhibits are located within the main Railroad History Museum building. These exhibits illustrate how railroads have shaped people’s lives and the unique culture of California.

24. Universal Studios

Universal Studios, set in Universal City, is a film studio and theme park. The studio is responsible for a large number of Hollywood blockbusters and has various rides themed on its many box office successes. If you are a film fan or theme park aficionado, Universal Studios will have plenty to keep you entertained and to warrant the entry fee. The theme park is also home to CityWalk, a three-block dining, shopping and live entertainment promenade. The area is home to 5 nightclubs and over 30 restaurants and guests will find a huge choice of food, live music and souvenir shopping as well as a state of the art Imax cinema.

Get tickets: Universal Studios Hollywood

25. Montery Bay Aquarium

Montery Bay’s public aquarium was founded in 1984 and is located on the site of a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row. The aquarium offers an impressive selection of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates and birds and is also a prominent campaigner for ocean health undertaking various conservation research projects. The aquarium also offers sleepovers for children in its “Kelp Forest”.

25 Best Things to Do in California:

• Redwood National Park
• General Sherman
• Venice Beach
• Death Valley
• The Big Sur Coastline
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Yosemite National Park
• San Diego Zoo
• Alcatraz Island
• Griffith Observatory
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Getty Centre
• San Francisco Cable Car System
• Santa Monica Pier
• La Brea Tar Pits
• RMS Queen Mary
• Cabrillo National Monument
• California State Railroad Museum
• Universal Studios
• Montery Bay Aquarium

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Places to Visit in California

• Places To Visit

Tourist Places in California

Here is the list best places to visit in california:, san francisco.

It is no secret that everyone wants to visit the United States of America, and visiting USA without exploring San Francisco is surely a loss as there are so many beautiful tourist places in San Francisco. The United States of America is a very diverse country and the same can be said about San Francisco. People here are very different from each, but one thing which is common to everyone here is art. The people of San Francisco love their art and they are very artistic. There are so many museums present in the city and it always stays crowded. The Legion of Honor is one of the most renowned museums here. Not only does the place display some incredible art, it also represents the monumental beauty San Francisco stores. One can also visit the numerous theatres here and enjoy the live performances of people.

The Golden Gate Bridge is not only the pride of San Francisco but it is also the pride of the United States of America. It is the longest bridge in the world which is not supported by any pillar. It is an architectural marvel and something like cannot be found anywhere in the world. One can also do number of activities in San Francisco. It offers various water activities in the country. The activities which one can perform here are river rafting, kayaking, speedboat riding, trekking, etc. The suburban area of the city has some really beautiful and lush green lands. This city is the place to spend a vacation as it has the perfect combination of natural beauty and man-made activities, which top the list of tourist places in San Francisco. If one gets bored of just doing activities and sightseeing, they can explore the nature around the city.

Los Angeles

Being one of the glitziest places in the whole world, LA will give you the experience of the wall over the rodeo drive, the nonstop nightlife of the Sunset Strip, and the star quality of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The tourist places in Los Angeles provide a lifetime experience to its visitors. Los Angeles is a southern city of California. It is the largest urban area in the state and the second most popular city in the United States of America. LA is located between the San Gabriel Mountains on the east and the west coast at the Pacific Ocean. The name Los Angeles is a Spanish word that means "The Angels". The name is an abbreviation of the original name "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río Porciúncula which means town of our lady the Queen of Angels of the River Porciúncula. Under the rule of the Governor of California, Felipe de Neve, El Pueblo de La Reina de Los Angeles was formed and founded on September 1781. With renounced and world class art museums, architectural wonders and Disney concert halls this place is ideal for a perfect getaway. It is the main centre for the nation’s film and television industry. It is the home to the world famous Hollywood sign. Quite close to it you will find all the big giants of the film industry namely Paramount Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers. All along the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame many luminaries and vendors sell maps to Hollywood stars homes. Being the home to wonderful top dining destination, ordinary taco stands and celebrity themed eateries win the same accolade. Planning your trip to Los Angeles, it's time to grab your sunglasses and head to the beach or to Disneyland and make memories that last for a lifetime. We are sure that the tourist places in Los Angeles will give you an experience to be remembered forever.

Oakland happens to be the largest city and the county seats of Alameda County. It is one of the largest cities in the East bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Oakland is home to some of the famous Victorian architecture and boutiques. The city is home to some of the best museums of California which offers you great knowledge about nature, art, and state history. You will also come across a number of galleries, theatres, and lively bars and restaurants. Top attractions of Oakland that you must visit are Lake Merritt which is surrounded by luxuriant trees and verdant lawns, Jack London Square which is famous for its  relaxing maritime atmosphere, and Oakland Museum of California renowned for its engaging exhibits and extensive permanent collection. You can also think of spending some fun filled moments at the Children's Fairyland, head out on forest trails in the pristine redwood forest of Redwood Regional Park and capture the native and exotic species residing in natural habitats at Oakland Zoo. Oakland has got a warm summer Mediterranean climate which has got about 260 sunny days every single year. The city has got a warm and dry summer and mild and wet winter season.

Best of USA

Sacramento happens to be the capital city of the United States State of California. It is located at the confluence of Sacramento and American Rivers in the Sacramento Valley. It is the seat of the California Legislature. It is also considered to be the economical and cultural core of the metropolitan area of Sacramento. Sacramento is a city that backs the gold rush era with its wagon rides and wooden sidewalks. It is home to some of the brilliant architectural marvels and age old museums exhibiting relics of the bygone era. Some of the popular tourist attractions in San Diego are  vibrant golden lift bridge, regal capitol building,  30-room Governor’s Mansion, and the architectural marvel of Lawrence Argent’s Leap. During your visit to Sacramento, you can explore the California State Railroad Museum, stroll along the displays of Crocker Museum of Art, take an exploration tour of the historic buildings along the city's waterfront. Sacramento has got a dry and hot summer season that extends from the month of May to the month of September. The winter seasons in Sacramento are mild and frequently rainy. The winter months extend from the month of December to the month of February.

San Luis Obispo

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Palm Springs

Santa barbara.

Santa Barbara is a coastal city that is located on the south facing section of the coastline. The city nestles in between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara happens to be a beautiful city with a scenic backdrop. You will come across a number of Mediterranean style buildings with red tile roofs. Heading over to this one of the best Tourist Places in California, you will also be welcomed by Spanish colonial heritage. The city is dotted with upscale boutiques and multi cuisine restaurants that serve delicious local food and wines. You can visit Mission Santa Barbara known for its graceful beauty and picturesque setting, Stearns Wharf known for offering breathtaking views of the harbor and beaches, and Santa Barbara County Courthouse which lets you enjoy beautiful views of the city from the clocktower. You can experience the perfect slice of sand and sea at Santa Barbara Beaches,  stroll around the lovely botanical gardens of  Santa Barbara Zoo, and head out on Whale Watching Tours. The climate of Santa Barbara is mediterranen type which is classified as Csv as per the Koppen Geiger classification. As the city is located close to the ocean and is parallel to the westerly winds, the winter season is a bit warmer and the summer season is a bit cooler.

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Riverside is a city and county seat of Riverside County, California. The city is located in the inland empire metropolitan area and it is named as such because of its location beside the Santa Ana River. It also happens to be a part of the greater Los Angeles area. It is 58th most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous in California. The city was founded in the 1870s and it is popularly called as the birthplace of the California Circus Industry. This beautiful city is adorned by the original navel orange trees and a number of history parks from where you will be able to learn more about the exhibits and artifacts of local history. Mount Rubidoux Park which offers popular hikes for residents and tourists, Mission Inn which is known to be an aesthetic piece of Spanish Mission architecture, and March Field Air Museum popular for featuring over 70 aircraft and thousands of artifacts on display. Marvelling at the  second Gold Rush of California at California State Citrus Historic Park, getting an experience of drive in theatre at Van Buren Drive-In Theater, and exploring the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens are some of the most sought after Attractions in California. Riverside happens to experience a semi arid type climate which is classified as Bsh as per the Koppen geiger classification. The city experiences hot and dry summer seasons and mild and relatively wet winter seasons. The average temperature ranges from 12.5 degree celsius to 26.3 degree celsius all through the year. The city receives around 10.33 inches of precipitation annually.

Stockton happens to be a city and the county seats of San Joaquin Country located in the central valley of California. The city was founded by Captain Charls Maria Weber in the year 1849 after Rancha Campo de Los Franceses was acquired. The city is named after Robert F. Stockton is called to be the 13th largest city in California and 62nd in the United States. Located close to the Central Valley, you will come across a number of museums and exhibition halls featuring displays of fine arts and local history. The city is adorned with oak groves and a lake stocked with catfish. You will also come across a number of parks and gardens which are home to a wide range of beautiful flora. During your stay at Stockton, you can take the dog for a walk at barkleyville dog park, watch the racing at delta speedway, enjoy the japanese garden at micke grove park, and visit stockton cambodian buddhist temple.  Some of the top things to do in Stockton are cheer on the Stockton heat, watch a show at the bob hope theatre, take the children to the stockton children’s museum, take a trip to the delta center for the arts, and increase your knowledge of the local history. Stockton has got a hot summer mediterranean climate which is classified as CSa as per the Koppen Geiger classification. The city experiences dry summer and mild winters. It receives an average rainfall of 14.06 inches of rainfall all through the year. The maximum rainfall is received from the month of October to the month of April. 

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Fresno is the county seat of Fresno County, California, United States spread over an area close to 112 square miles. It is located in the centre of the San Joaquin valley to the southern part. The city is named after the ash trees lining the San Jaoquin river in abundance. Fresno happens to be a beautiful city with Forestiere Underground Gardens which consists of the Roman-catacombs-inspired subterranean passages and courtyards. It is also home to a wonderful zoo that is home to a wide range of fauna including the sea lions and stingray. During your visit to one of the best Tourist Places in California, you must make sure to take a tour of the Shinzen Japanese Garden which is adorned with sprawling trail lined woodward park. Forestiere Underground Gardens, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Woodward Regional Park, Downtown Fresno, and Fresno Blossom Trail are some of the top rated attractions that you must visit during your trip. Enjoy dozen waterslides including the solo, raft, and family-raft variety at the Island Waterpark, shop til you drop at River Park Shopping Center, and explore the Meux Home Museum. Fresno has a Mediterranan climate which is Csa as per the Koppen Geiger climate classification. The summer season is long, hot, and dry whereas the winter season is short and cold. The annual temperature ranges in between -1.1 degree celsius and 28.3 degree celsius.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield happens to be a charter city in Kern county, California, United States. This is the largest city of Kern County covering an area close to 151 square miles. It is the 9th most populous city in California and about 52nd in the United States. Bakersfield offers its visitors with the best of natural history through its museums and exhibition halls curated with focus on geology and paleontology. Heading over to this one of the most sought after Tourist Places in California, you will be able to explore a wide range of flora and fauna. During your visit to Bakersfield, you can think of visiting Hart Memorial Park which is known to hidden gems of what makes northeast Bakersfield so special, Buck Owens' Crystal Palace which is a music venue, restaurant, and museum all in one, and Kern County Museum which is known for its experience of costumed characters and well-preserved artifacts. You can explore the historical venue in Bakersfield known for its ornate interior and excellent acoustics of Fox Theater, enjoy picnics and leisurely strolls at The Park at Riverwalk and overlook natural spaces and outdoor attractions of Bakersfield at Kern River Parkway Trail. Bakersfield has got a hot desert type climate which is classified as BWh as per the Koppen Geiger classification. The city receives very less annual rainfall however it has only 191 clearer days all through the year. The summer season is very hot and dry while the winter season has mild days and chilly nights.

San Diego happens to be a city on the pacific coast of California. It is located immediately adjacent to the United States. It is the 8th most populous city in the United States and 2nd most populous city in California. The city has got a very deep connection with the naval activities of the United States. The city is known for its pristine beaches, national parks, and warm climatic condition. Heading over to one of the best Tourist Places in California, you will be able to get to stroll along various art galleries, museums, gardens, art studios and deep harbour. Some of the popular attractions that you can visit during your stay at San Diego are La Jolla Cove known for its mountains and a rustic environment on all three sides and Swami Beach which is a popular surfing destination. You can also visit Carlsbad State Beach which is home to a number of small beaches separated by sea walls and guarded by low cliffs on the other side. While on a trip to San Diego, you can think of learning about Aircraft Carriers at USS Midway Museum, sunbathing at La Jolla, strolling at Embarcadero, and going Surfing at San Diego Beaches. San Diego has one of the best climates in the United States which makes tourism possible all through the year. The climatic condition of San Diego is classified into Bsh or semi arid climate as per the Koppen Geiger climate classification system. The summers are warm and the winters are mild.  The maximum precipitation is recorded in between the months of December and March.

Best of New York City

San Jose (California)

San Jose happens to be the financial, political and cultural centre of the Silicon valley and one of the largest cities in Northern California. It is located in the centre of the Santa Clara Valley covering an area of 179.97 square miles. San Jose happens to be a large city that is dotted with rolling hills in the silicon valley. It is home to some of the brilliant architectural landmarks influenced from the Italianate styles. Some of the popular tourist attractions in San Jose are Jade Museum to trace the country’s history, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, the national museum, Coronado popular for bird watching and hiking, and Los Quetzales National Park which is considered to be a paradise for nature lovers. During your stay in San Jose, you can head out to explore some of the age old museums and exhibition halls to learn more about the history, dive deep into the visual arts of the state, indulge in some of the musical and dance performances. San Jose has got a warm summer Mediterranean climate that is classified as Csb as per the Koppen Geiger classification. The summer season is warm, hot and dry while the winters are cool, wet and mild. The annual rainfall is recorded around 15.82 inches.

Other Attractions

Disney california adventure park.

Disney California Adventure Park, adjacent to Disneyland in Anaheim, offers a magical journey through the essence of California. Themed lands celebrate the state's diverse culture, from Hollywood glamour to seaside boardwalks. Attractions like Pixar Pier and Cars Land delight visitors with immersive experiences, while shows and parades add to the excitement. It's a dynamic blend of Disney magic and Californian charm.

Doge’S Palace

Doge’s Palace is one of the most ancient constructions we find in Venice, Italy. Located in the centre of the city, in Piazza San Marco, it is a remarkable masterpiece of engineering and architecture. This beautiful palace makes us think about how the man could create such mesmerizing structures without having any technology in that era. 

It is an impressive structure and an epitome of Venetian Gothic architecture, reflecting the local variant architectural style. Dating back to the 14th century, the palace used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice and was extended and modified for further centuries.

Top Experiences To Do in Doge’S Palace

Ca’ Rezzonico

Ca' Rezzonico is a grand and historic palace located on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. This splendid building, completed in the 18th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Venetian nobility. Today, Ca' Rezzonico houses the Museum of 18th Century Venice, featuring an impressive collection of art, furnishings, and artifacts from that era. Visitors can admire works by famous artists like Canaletto and Tiepolo, along with intricately decorated rooms and period furniture.

Anaheim Disneyland

A fairytale-like place that is not only filled with different kinds of attractions but also themed with your favourite characters was the first ever Disneyland that came into existence. This place has no bar on age or gender.

It has therefore always been an exciting place where imagination meets reality. Do not miss out on this wonderful place of magic, tales and unlimited fun.

Location: Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States

Timing: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: $310 - $395

Yosemite National Park

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Top Experiences To Do in Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Joshua Tree National Park

Death Valley National Park

Carmel By The Sea

Sequoia National Park

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Half Dome, an iconic granite dome in Yosemite National Park, California, is a symbol of natural wonder and outdoor adventure.

Mc Way Falls

Vernal Falls

Kings Canyon National Park

Point Reyes National Seashore

Muir Woods National Monumen

Muir Woods National Monument, located near San Francisco, is a serene forest known for its towering old-growth coastal redwoods. Established in 1908, this protected area offers peaceful trails and stunning natural beauty. The ancient trees, some over 1,000 years old, create a tranquil atmosphere ideal for nature walks and reflection.

Downtown Disney, California

Downtown Disney in California is a vibrant entertainment district located adjacent to Disneyland Resort. With an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it offers visitors a lively atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and excitement. Whether shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a delicious meal, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

zabriskie point

Zabriskie Point in California is like stepping into a painting of the desert come to life. It's a place that feels like it's from another world, with its stunning rock formations and breathtaking views stretching out as far as the eye can see. Located in Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of the American West.

As you approach Zabriskie Point, you'll be struck by the surreal beauty of the landscape. Towering peaks of golden-hued rock rise up from the desert floor, carved over millions of years by the forces of wind and water. The contrast between the rugged terrain and the clear blue sky creates a scene that's nothing short of mesmerizing.

But the real magic of Zabriskie Point reveals itself when you reach the overlook. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to panoramic views that will take your breath away. The undulating ridges of the Amargosa Range stretch out before you, their warm tones shifting and changing with the light of the sun. And off in the distance, the vast expanse of Death Valley unfolds, a vast sea of sand and salt flats that seems to stretch on forever.

But Zabriskie Point isn't just about the views—though they are certainly worth the trip alone. It's also a place of history and geological wonder. The rock formations here tell a story of ancient seas and shifting landscapes, their layers revealing millions of years of Earth's history in vivid detail.

Procuratie Vecchie

Procuratie Vecchie is a historic landmark located in the heart of Venice, Italy, along the northern edge of the iconic Piazza San Marco. This remarkable building dates back to the early 16th century and is known for its elegant Renaissance architecture, characterized by a long arcade of arches and classical columns.

Emerald Bay

Ontario Mills Mall Ontario

Ontario Mills Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in North America and is located in Ontario, California. The Mall opened in 1996 and offers more than 200 retail outlets under one roof in an indoor climate-controlled setting. 

Museo di Palazzo Grimani

Museo di Palazzo Grimani, located in the heart of Venice, Italy, is a captivating museum housed in a stunning 16th-century palace. Once the residence of the Grimani family, renowned for their influence and wealth, the palace now showcases an impressive collection of art and antiquities. Visitors are greeted by the grandeur of Renaissance architecture, featuring intricate frescoes, majestic staircases, and lavishly decorated rooms. 

Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin, Death Valley: the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. A vast salt flat surrounded by mountains, it dazzles with surreal hexagonal salt formations and extreme temperatures. Its stark beauty and harsh environment make it an iconic symbol of Death Valley's unique landscape and natural wonders.

Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square, located in San Francisco, is a historic waterfront area that once housed the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Now a retail and dining destination, it preserves the chocolate-making legacy and offers a delightful blend of shops, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere by the bay.

El Capitan, located in Yosemite National Park, California, is a colossal granite monolith that captivates adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Yosemite Falls

Situated inside Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. With an impressive height of 2,450 ft, Yosemite Falls offers splendid natural beauty, abundant wildlife and countless adventure activities. The fall is divided into three parts- the Upper Yosemite Falls, Middle Cascades and the Lower Yosemite Falls. All three parts of the fall are worth exploring and are accessible by scenic hiking trails inside the park. 

Top Experiences To Do in Yosemite Falls

People Also Ask About California

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