California is one of those destinations where you could travel for weeks and still only scratch the surface. From the beaches and cities of Southern California to the mountains, forests and spectacular coastline of the north, the state offers an incredible variety of places to explore.
Whether you're planning a California road trip, a family holiday or simply looking for ideas for your next visit, here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in California.
1. See the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Few landmarks are as instantly recognisable as the Golden Gate Bridge.You can walk or cycle across the bridge, take a cruise underneath it or enjoy some of the best views from viewpoints around the Marin Headlands and San Francisco waterfront.
While you're in San Francisco, other places worth visiting include:
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Pier 39
- Alcatraz Island
- Chinatown
- Lombard Street
- Golden Gate Park
- Union Square
2. Explore Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is easily one of California's greatest natural attractions.The park is famous for its enormous granite cliffs, waterfalls, forests and spectacular mountain scenery. Yosemite Valley is home to many of its best-known sights, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
There are walks and hiking trails for virtually every ability, from short viewpoints and valley walks to challenging full-day hikes.
If you're visiting during the busy summer months, book accommodation well ahead and check current National Park Service information before travelling.
3. Drive California's Highway 1 and Big Sur
Driving along the Californian coast is one of the classic American road-trip experiences.The section through Big Sur is particularly impressive, with dramatic cliffs, beaches, mountains and Pacific Ocean views around almost every corner.
Popular stops include:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Pfeiffer Beach
- McWay Falls
- Point Lobos
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Monterey
Always check current road conditions before setting off, particularly after periods of heavy rain or severe weather.
4. Visit Los Angeles
Los Angeles is huge, so it's worth deciding which areas interest you most rather than attempting to see everything in one day.Film fans will probably want to see Hollywood, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and views of the Hollywood Sign.
Other popular places include:
- Griffith Observatory
- Getty Center
- Beverly Hills
- Rodeo Drive
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Universal Studios Hollywood
5. Spend a Day at Santa Monica and Venice Beach
For the classic Southern California beach experience, visit Santa Monica.Walk along Santa Monica Pier, spend some time on the beach and explore the restaurants and shops around the waterfront.
From Santa Monica you can walk or cycle south towards Venice Beach, famous for its boardwalk, street performers, colourful characters and Muscle Beach.
It's one of the best areas for simply slowing down and enjoying California's relaxed coastal atmosphere.
6. Experience Disneyland in Anaheim
For families and theme park fans, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is likely to be high on the list.The resort includes both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, making it easy to spend several days here.
Anaheim is also within reach of many Southern California attractions, so it can work well as part of a wider Los Angeles and Orange County trip.
7. Visit San Diego
Close to the Mexican border, San Diego combines beaches, excellent weather and a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of attractions.Popular places to visit include:
- Balboa Park
- San Diego Zoo
- La Jolla
- Coronado
- Old Town San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Mission Beach
8. See the Giant Trees of Sequoia National Park
California isn't just about beaches and cities.At Sequoia National Park, you can walk among some of the largest trees on Earth.
The famous General Sherman Tree is one of the highlights, but the surrounding Giant Forest is equally impressive.
Neighbouring Kings Canyon National Park can also be combined with a visit, making this a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoys mountains, forests and outdoor activities.
9. Relax at Lake Tahoe
Sitting on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is beautiful throughout the year.Summer is ideal for swimming, kayaking, hiking and exploring the beaches around the lake, while winter turns the surrounding mountains into one of America's major skiing and snowboarding destinations.
Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed parts of the lake and is well worth including on a drive around Tahoe.
10. Explore Death Valley National Park
For something completely different, visit Death Valley National Park.The landscape can feel almost otherworldly, with salt flats, sand dunes, mountains and enormous desert valleys.
Highlights include:
- Badwater Basin
- Zabriskie Point
- Dante's View
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- Artist's Drive
11. Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Another spectacular desert destination is Joshua Tree National Park, around two to three hours from Los Angeles depending on traffic and where you're travelling from.The unusual Joshua trees and enormous rock formations give the park a landscape unlike almost anywhere else in California.
It's particularly beautiful around sunrise and sunset, while the clear desert skies also make Joshua Tree popular for stargazing.
12. Explore Napa Valley
California is one of the world's great wine-producing regions, and Napa Valley is its best-known destination.The area is filled with vineyards, wineries, restaurants and picturesque towns.
You don't necessarily need to be interested in wine to enjoy Napa either. The countryside itself makes for a beautiful drive, and nearby Sonoma County provides another excellent option.
13. Visit Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
The neighbouring communities of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea make a great stop on a California coastal road trip.Monterey is particularly well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row.
A short drive away, Carmel offers galleries, cafés, beautiful architecture and one of California's prettiest beaches.
From here, you can continue south into Big Sur.
14. Discover California's Redwoods
Northern California is home to another of the state's natural wonders: its enormous coastal redwood trees.Some of these trees reach extraordinary heights and walking through a redwood forest is an experience that's difficult to appreciate until you see them in person.
Redwood National and State Parks are among the best places to experience them.
If you're taking a longer road trip through Northern California, the redwoods are well worth the extra journey.
15. Take a California Road Trip
Perhaps the best way to experience California is simply to drive it.A classic itinerary could include:
San Francisco → Yosemite → Monterey → Carmel → Big Sur → Los Angeles → Anaheim → San Diego
With more time, you could add Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Sequoia National Park, Joshua Tree or the Northern California redwoods.
California is much bigger than many first-time visitors expect, so avoid trying to cram too many destinations into a short trip. Spending an extra night somewhere often makes for a much more enjoyable holiday than constantly packing up and driving.
When is the Best Time to Visit California?
There isn't really one perfect time because California has such a varied climate.Spring is excellent for national parks, wildflowers and generally comfortable temperatures.
Summer is popular for beaches and family holidays, although some destinations can become extremely busy.
Autumn can be a fantastic time for road trips, with fewer crowds in many areas.
Winter brings skiing to destinations such as Lake Tahoe while coastal cities including Los Angeles and San Diego can remain relatively mild.
Conditions vary considerably around the state, so always check the weather, wildfire information, road conditions and national park alerts before travelling.
Planning a Trip to California
California really does offer something for almost every traveller. In one trip you can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, hike beneath Yosemite's granite cliffs, drive beside the Pacific Ocean, visit world-famous theme parks and finish your day watching the sunset from a Southern California beach.The hardest part is deciding what to leave out!
Have you visited California?
What would you add to the list? If you've discovered a great beach, road trip, national park, restaurant, viewpoint or hidden gem, share your recommendations below and help other Forum4Travel members plan their California adventure. ️
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