California is a state that millions of people around the world dream of visiting or living in, with good reason. From bustling modern cities and the center of the film industry to stunning natural wonders, this state has something to offer everyone.
The 16 Best Places to Visit in California
Every year, over 250 million tourists visit California. They come from all over the United States and the world, with their families, friends, spouses, or by themselves.
Some are return visitors, coming back year after year. It might take a lifetime to discover everything California has to offer. Glitzy, glamorous Los Angeles is the center of the film industry but also a hub of immigrant cultures.
Other cities such as San Francisco, Santa Monica, and San Diego have their own charms to offer, all with that particular relaxed California culture.
To help expand your horizons, we’ve hand-picked our recommendations for the best places to visit in California, from the well-known sights to little-known gems; there’s something for everyone!
1. Yosemite National Park
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Nature lovers everywhere dream of visiting Yosemite National Park, with good reason. One of California’s nine national parks, Yosemite is home to absolutely stunning landscapes and wildlife.
It was one of the United States’ first national parks, protected since 1864. First-time visitors to Yosemite National Park usually flock to Yosemite Valley.
This gorgeous glacial valley features stunning peaks and mountains, including the famous El Capitan, which draws free climbers from all over the world. Glacier Point is a good place to go if you want views of the valley below.
Take some time and get away from the main parts of the park. The vast national park has many trails through the Sierra Nevada mountains for all levels of hikers. Just be careful of the local wildlife — Yosemite is home to many species, including bears!
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park in 2024
2. Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES – DECEMBER 18, 2013: View of Hollywood Boulevard at sunset. In 1958, the Hollywood Walk of Fame was created on this street as a tribute to artists working in the entertainment industry/View Apart/Shutterstock
When most people think of California, they immediately think of Los Angeles. Los Angeles might as well be a world to itself. The second-largest city in the United States has enough attractions to fill up a list of its own.
No visit to Los Angeles would be complete without a visit to Hollywood. Whether you’re a passionate movie buff or someone who is vaguely acquainted with blockbusters, you’ll enjoy seeing where some of your favorite flicks are made.
Take a tour of a studio, try to spot a celebrity, and take a photo by the famous Hollywood sign. That doesn’t mean that Los Angeles is all glitz and Hollywood glamour.
The city has a lot more to offer. Take in some culture at the world-famous J. Paul Getty Museum. When you get tired of the bustle of the city, take a break at Griffith Park, which has the famous Observatory and Zoo.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Los Angeles in 2024
3. San Francisco
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San Francisco rivals Los Angeles for the title of California’s most famous city and best destination. No visit here is complete without a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, whose stunning orange structure arches over the bay.
The San Francisco Bay is home to a lot of other landmarks, including the infamous Alcatraz prison. Go shopping and seal-watching around Pier 39.
The best part of San Francisco may not be any landmark but the city itself. Wander around the neighborhoods and take pictures of the pretty Victorian houses. Take in the famous alternative culture or the new tech drive.
Read Next: Is San Francisco Safe to Visit in 2024?
4. Death Valley National Park
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Death Valley National Park is not a trip for the faint of heart. This arid desert is home to the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin.
It is also a record-holder for the hottest air temperature ever measured, so don’t come in the summer. Death Valley boasts a lot more than these attractions. The park is home to gorgeous dunes, settlement ruins, and even mountains.
Read Next: Where to Stay When Visiting Death Valley National Park
5. Lake Tahoe
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The clear waters of Lake Tahoe are where Californians come to relax. This massive lake is located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the perfect place to get away from the heat and dust of much of California.
Visitors in search of glamour and creature comforts can go to Emerald Bay, home to many tourist attractions. If you prefer to travel off the beaten path, check out some of the many hiking trails nearby.
Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Lake Tahoe in 2024
6. San Diego
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San Diego has it all. This big city still has the atmosphere of a laid-back beach town, with plenty of places to work on your tan within city limits. Walk around and soak up the unique culture, which has a strong Spanish and Mexican influence.
San Diego is home to many important historical sites, such as an original Spanish mission from the 18th century and Old Town San Diego with authentic adobe buildings.
San Diego is also the perfect family destination. Kids will love the world-famous San Diego Zoo and other attractions.
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit San Diego and Where to Stay in San Diego
7. Big Sur
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If you want to get in touch with California’s wild side, then Big Sur is one of the best places to go. This rugged stretch of coast along central California lies between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon.
Big Sur is where the Santa Lucia Mountains rush to meet the sea, creating stunning cliffs and scenery. There are a few ways to explore this area.
You can drive along, stopping to take photos. You can hike some of the many trails leading away from the road. Finally, you can explore the hidden beaches and coves along the way, featuring perfect surfing conditions
Read Next: Where to Stay When You Visit Big Sur
8. Sequoia National Park
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Sequoia National Park is home to some of California’s most famous gentle giants. Giant sequoia trees only grow along this slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. They can be up to 300 feet tall, and their trunks are wide enough to create car tunnels.
Everything is bigger in Sequoia National Park as this park is also home to Mount Whitney, the continental United States’ highest mountain. Bring your hiking shoes and get ready to explore beautiful nature.
Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Sequoia National Park in 2024
9. Monterey and Nearby Towns
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Another gem in central California, Monterey is a former industrial town located on Monterey Bay. Today, it is a picturesque tourist destination with plenty of charming seafood shacks, shops, and attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The entire region around Monterey is worth a visit, especially since it is less touristy than other parts of California. Check out the artsy village of Carmel-by-the-Sea or the relaxed beach town of Santa Cruz.
10. Napa Valley
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Wine lovers probably don’t need any introduction for Napa Valley. This gorgeous region in northern California, near Sonoma, is home to some of the country’s best wineries. Go for a sophisticated getaway with plenty of wine tastings.
Even if you don’t like wine, Napa Valley is a great destination. Check out the beautiful nature and historic Spanish towns of Sonoma or go on a hot air balloon trip.
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Napa Valley and Where to Stay in Napa Valley
11. Santa Monica
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Santa Monica is maybe the most quintessential California beach town. Located close to Los Angeles, it makes a great day trip from the larger city, but there is enough to see that it’s worth dedicating more time to it.
The main attraction is the Santa Monica pier. Visit the amusement park, including the Ferris wheel, check out the beach shacks, and fish off the pier.
12. Disneyland
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Disneyland in Anaheim, close to Los Angeles, is the perfect California destination for kids and kids at heart. The vast park has something for everyone. Thrill-seekers will get a kick out of rides such as California Screamin’.
Even if roller coasters aren’t your thing, Disneyland is worth a visit to check out the world the House of Mouse built. With character parades, famous food, and themed shops, Disneyland is fun for everyone.
Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Disneyland in 2024
13. Joshua Tree National Park
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The inspiration behind a famous U2 album, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places to see California’s desert landscapes. You can go hiking in the desert and stay overnight to take in the stars.
The biggest attractions in the park are the famous, twisted Joshua trees and the many rock formations that attract climbers. Make sure you bring your hiking shoes and plenty of water.
Read Next: When You Should Go to Joshua Tree National Park
14. Palm Springs
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Palm Springs is one of the most glamorous towns in already-glamorous California. Since the 1920s, Hollywood stars and California’s most powerful people have come to vacation here, especially in the winter.
This warm desert town has balmy weather year-round. Enjoy the many museums and sophisticated restaurants in town, visit nearby Coachella, or just relax by the pool and imagine you are a movie studio darling.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Palm Springs in 2024
15. Pacific Coast Highway
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With so many destinations and dramatic landscapes in California, you might be wondering how you’ll see them all. A road trip is the best way to see it all, and all California road trips have to pass through the Pacific Coast Highway.
The Pacific Coast Highway hugs the California coast, yielding stunning vistas at every turn. It also connects many destinations on this list, such as San Francisco and Big Sur.
16. Redwood National Park
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Redwood National Park on the northern California coast is home to landscapes that feel otherworldly. Redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth, and every nature lover wants to walk among these amazing giants.
The national park also has a lot of other beautiful nature to offer. Check out Fern Canyon, a filming location for Jurassic Park: The Lost World. If you’re lucky, you might see some of the many animal species that call the park home, including elk, seals, and even whales.
Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Redwood National Park in 2024
So What’s the Best Place to Visit in California?
There’s so much to see in California that it’s hard to decide what’s the best place to visit. Nature lovers should make a beeline for the national parks such as Yosemite.
Kids will love Disneyland and San Diego. Finally, no visit is complete without a trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to California today!