Hello traveler, Discover the best places to visit in California for your next adventure. In this blog, let me take you virtually to California with my “Tale of Journey,” often called the Golden State. Where sun-kissed beaches meet towering mountains, and bustling cities coexist with serene deserts.

No wonder, with its diversified landscape and vibrant culture, California turns out to be among the most popular destinations in the world and a dream for many.

Imagine the stretches of beach shoreline that some of the best beaches in the United States have, the incredible ocean views and the host of water activities that travelers can enjoy to make the entire ocean luxuriant and mind-blowingly unique.

From the iconic landmarks in Los Angeles to the natural phenomena at Yosemite National Park, plus the chance for wine lovers to sip a glass of wine in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, I will discuss the places that should not be missed in this state-absolute heaven.

Check out things to do in California and get packing for an adventure.

22 Best Places to visit in California

Here are the best places to visit in California for whatever adventure you’re looking for.

1. San Francisco

First on our list is Golden City in California. Wherever you walk in San Francisco, your city is buzzing with action. The Golden Gate Bridge is over 80 years old and one of the most famous symbols of San Francisco. Also, Alcatraz—an island in San Francisco Bay—is known as a prison home to notorious gangsters.

But a more exciting option would be riding the city’s famous cable cars. The many places and people make San Francisco unique, from iconic landscapes like the Golden Gate Bridge to a rich and diverse culture.

Top Attractions

• Golden Gate Bridge

• Alcatraz Island

• Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

•  Chinatown

• Golden Gate Park

2. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States and the largest city in California. It is a sprawling metropolis full of movie stars, famous actors, musicians, surfers, and loads and loads of traffic.

From its entertainment industry to miles of coastline, mountains, shopping, sports, and ethnic diversity to a culture that embraces creativity. Known for its year-round mild climate, beaches, famous San Diego Zoo, and activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and craft beer exploration.

Top Attractions

• Hollywood Walk of Fame

• Griffith Observatory

• Santa Monica Pier

• The Getty Center

• Venice Beach.

3. San Diego

San Diego is a Southern California city known for its beaches, mild yearly climate, and splendid coast. The city is famous for everything from its zoo and baseball team to an increasingly popular craft beer scene.

Long considered one of the best in the world, the San Diego Zoo has delighted people for years. Proximal La Jolla offers great coastal scenery along with kayaking and snorkeling experiences. Some places include Balboa Park, Little Italy, and the museum.

Top Attractions

• Balboa Park

• La Jolla Cove

• USS Midway Museum

• Old Town San Diego

• Coronado Beach

4. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a haven of activity. It is one of those nature parks that amazes many with its green forests, high mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and plenty of hiking trails. El Capitan is 3,000 feet tall and attracts the attention of rock climbers and all nature lovers by its mere existence.

Yosemite Falls is an approachable state of unparalleled natural beauty. The best views of the Cascades are from a distance in Yosemite Village. Yosemite is a paradise for all levels of hikers.

Top Attractions

• Yosemite Valley

• Glacier Point

• Mariposa Grove

•  Yosemite Falls

• Tunnel View

5. Lake Tahoe

Stretching across California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a pristine alpine gem that offers crystal-clear waters and unparalleled mountain views. This iconic destination offers something every season, from snow-capped peaks to brilliant emerald flora.

During the winter months, top-class skiing entertains guests at places like Heavenly, Northstar and Squaw Valley. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all possible on the lake during the summer, making it a water sports enthusiast’s playground. Scenic biking and hiking trails meander along the coastline, and vibrant nightlife offers thrilling views.

Top Attractions

•  Emerald Bay State Park

•  Heavenly Mountain Resort

•  Sand Harbor Beach

•  Eagle Falls

• Tahoe Rim Trail

6. Napa Valley & Sonoma

Napa Valley is an hour’s drive from San Francisco and is known as one of the world’s best wine regions. Napa Valley has over 400 wineries, which makes it ideal for those who love wine. Napa Valley is a beautiful place with scenic views, amenities like safe and well-maintained roads for drives, recreational activities like hiking and biking, and aerial views of the breathtaking mountains in hot air balloons.

Another breathtaking wine region, Sonoma Valley, is a short drive away and known as the cradle of California’s winemaking industry.

Top Attractions

• Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting

• Hot Air Balloon Rides

• Culinary Delights

• Safari West

• Napa Valley Wine Train

7. Death Valley National Park

Known for its inhospitable terrain and extreme temperatures, the park holds the record for the hottest place on earth, but the site is mysteriously impressive. Death Valley National Park showcases its magnificent salt fields, dunes, mountains, and underground lake.

Combining them miraculously creates a one-of-a-kind landscape. It may seem dead, but this remote location attracts adventurers from different regions. You can enjoy hiking, stargazing, and exploring unique geological formations.

Top Attractions

• Badwater Basin

• Zabriskie Point

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

• Dante’s View

• Racetrack Playa

8. Big Sur

Big Sur isn’t a place, it’s a state of mind. The 90-mile stretch between Monterey Bay and San Simeon on the west coast of central California, the far reaches of Big Sur. Big Sur attracts millions of tourists each year yet retains its local character.

The diverse landscape multiplies all the amenities in the region, with state parks and beaches reigning supreme as the attractions to visit. Mountains, beaches, rivers, valleys, creeks, creeks, wildflowers, and wildlife surround every bend.

Top Attractions

• Bixby Creek Bridge

• Pfeiffer Beach

• McWay Falls

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

• Hiking Trails

9. Palm Springs

Palm Springs is surrounded by the great high mountains of San Jacinto and fancy dancing trees as its natural backdrop. This famous paradise has been a popular center for Hollywood artists since the 1920s.

Palm Springs is a place of rest and entertainment with the nearby hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains, breathtaking landscape views, warm climate that provides a comfortable vacation atmosphere. And thrilling outdoor sports like golf, fancy gourmet restaurants, and rich collections of masterpieces in museums.

Top Attractions

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

• Joshua Tree National Park

• Sunny lands

• Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

• Mid-Century Modern Architecture

10. Redwoods National & State Parks

Located on the northern coast of California, Redwood National and State Park harbors the world’s tallest trees, the Coastal Redwoods. These behemoths can exceed 350 feet in height and can even live for over 2000 years.

Conservation focuses on Saites and Red Woods National Parks and Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek State Parks, protecting these giant trees and rich rainforests and river and ocean environments.

The scenery can be experienced by driving along ancient forests along more than 200 miles of trails and seeing wildlife like Roosevelt elk. Besides hiking, other everyday activities include camping, kayaking, and eating out. You should see the redwoods if you haven’t already.

Top Attractions

• Tall Trees Grove

• Fern Canyon

• Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

• Gold Bluffs Beach

• Prairie Creek Redwoods

11. Catalina Island

Catalina Island, or Santa Catalina Island, is about 22 miles from Los Angeles on the southern part of the California coastline. The picturesque landscape, crystal-clear waters, and charm make it a popular destination throughout the year.

It is a natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The island’s main town is Avalon, which has shops, restaurants, and historic attractions like the Catalina Casino. The island’s interior is rugged, uninhabited, and home to wildlife, including attractive hiking trails.

Top Attractions

• Avalon

• Catalina Casino

• Snorkeling and Diving

• Descanso Beach Club

• Catalina Island Conservancy

12. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is considered a beautiful beachside city on the Southern California coast. This beautiful wonder is another excellent hub to relax and treat yourself. Sandwiched between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

The city has a milder climate throughout the year, making it favorable for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and wine tasting in the vineyards nearby. You can also observe the outstanding coastline and marvel at the breathtaking sunsets of this city.

Top Attractions

• Stearns Wharf

• Santa Barbara Mission

• State Street

• Butterfly Beach

• Wine Tasting in the Funk Zone

13. Mammoth Lakes

This paradise in the Eastern Sierra Mountains boasts perfect sunny weather, attracting explorers to a staggering view. One can bike around the towering mountains, and Mammoth Lakes have over 300 hiking trails. The famous trails that hikers take include the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail.

You will see spectacular landscapes, from beautiful valleys and dazzling meadows to crystalline lakes and other marvelous treasures. You can even have options to try out water activities such as fishing. If your trip to Mammoth Lakes falls in winter, it is excellent for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding.

Top Attractions

• Mammoth Mountain

• Devils Postpile National Monument

• Hot Creek Geological Site

• Convict Lake

• Rainbow Falls

14. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a favorite of many climbers and hikers, not to mention stargazers, due to its landscape of twisted rock formations and iconic Joshua trees lending their name to it.

This park has over 800,000 acres, so there is much to explore here, so much that you can spend several days. Highlights include the self-guiding one-mile loop trail in Hidden Valley, Keys View for its epic sunset panoramas, and Barker Dam, a great spot to take a nature hike and spot bighorn sheep.

Top Attractions

• Cholla Cactus Garden

• Hidden Valley

• Keys View

• Barker Dam

• Rock Climbing

15. Mojave National Preserve

The excellent national park is outside Baker, California,   close to Las Vegas.   The park has various ecological habitats, from the Kelso Sand Dunes and lava rock formations, including the Lava Tube, to numerous hiking trails and high desert mountains. 

For the best information on visiting the park or on what camping and hiking options are available, be sure to check out the Mojave National Preserve website.  The best time to visit this park is anytime other than summertime. There are no services for the length of this park, so ensure you have water, food, and toilet paper!

Top Attractions

•  Kelso Dunes

•  Mitchell Caverns

•  Cinder Cone Lava Beds

• Teutonia Peak Trail

•  Zzyzx Mineral Springs

16. Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park was established in California’s southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is famous for its magnificent and tall giant sequoia trees, which house the world’s most enormous living tree: the General Sherman Tree. The park protects this vast area from wilderness to house rugged mountains, deep-cut canyons, and alpine landscapes that retain pristine beauty.

There is an excellent quantity of wildlife in the park, including black bears, mule deer, and many species of birds. It is a place to enjoy hiking and camping, along with some beautiful spots like Morro Rock Crystal Cave and Marble Cave.

Top Attractions

• General Sherman Tree

• Moro Rock

• Crystal Cave

• Tunnel Log.

• Giant Forest Museum

17. Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park may differ slightly from your preconceived notions of Sequoia National Park. Its trails are more rugged and wild, roaring with jagged peaks and rivers. This is one of the most secluded places to visit in California, which can keep you away from the big crowds. Several hiking trails, including Mist Falls and the Rye Lake Loop, are popular routes.

It is home to black bears, mule deer, and various species of birds. Along with its natural beauty, Kings Canyon National Park offers camping, fishing, and rock climbing opportunities so you can find time to reconnect with nature in peace and tranquility.

Top Attractions

• Grant Grove

• Zumwalt Meadow

• Kings River

• Roaring River Falls

• Boyden Cavern

18. Santa Monica

Santa Monica is positioned on the beautiful Santa Monica Bay, about thirty miles from downtown Los Angeles. It is famously known for the Santa Monica Pier, widely regarded as America’s favorite Pier and the concluding point of the famous Highway 66.

At present, it has become one of the most incredible tourist destinations in California. With few stores, a great view, and a Ferris wheel, Santa Monica is more than just a pier. It is a sophisticated, affluent area filled with luxury retail stores, extravagant hotels, and exquisite cuisine.

Top Attractions

• Santa Monica Pier

• Third Street Promenade

• Palisades Park

• Santa Monica Beach

• Bergamot Station

19. Shasta-Trinity National Forest

If you love outdoor adventure, this is one to add to your bucket list. With more than 50 lakes tucked away in Northern California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest, you’re bound to see breathtaking views. Reaching heights of up to 9000 feet, the granite peaks are often compared to the Swiss Alps.

Home to the dramatic Mount Shasta—an active stratovolcano and second-highest peak in the Cascade Range—it maintains a system of trails ranging from easy to advanced skill levels.

Many trails throughout the forest are at your disposal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, along with multiple lakes and rivers perfect for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. And almost all species of wildlife can be found.

Top Attractions

• Mount Shasta

• Castle Crags

• Burney Falls

• Lake Shasta Caverns

• Trinity Alps Wilderness

20. San Bernardino National Forest

It is in Southern California, bordering a massive area of outstanding wilderness, the San Bernardino National Forest. The vast area rests its stay in the San Bernardino Mountains; several species of animals have taken residence in the forest, including black bears, deer, and mountain lions.

Everything from hiking and mountain biking on the extensive trail system to fishing and camping in scenic surroundings can be done here. Other popular destinations in the forest besides Big Bear Lake are Burton Flats and the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Top Attractions

• Big Bear Lake

• Lake Arrowhead

• San Gorgonio Mountain

• Deep Creek Hot Springs

• Heart Rock Trail

21. San Luis Obispo

The beautiful little town of San Luis Obispo is on a picturesque strip of California coastline midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It lies between the picturesque Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its charming downtown, historic architecture, and warm hospitality.

There are lots of hiking trails to take in, vineyards to tour, and nearby beaches as foodies take in the rich culinary scenes with stunning mountain views.

Top Attractions

• Bubblegum Alley

• Hearst Castle

• Pismo Beach

• Mission San Luis Obispo

• Edna Valley Wine Region

22. Malibu

Malibu is located a little more than 30 miles west of Los Angeles. Malibu also has several great beaches, such as Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, Zuma Beach, and Point Doom State Beach. It would help if you also hiked the many trails available at Point Mugu State Park, Topanga State Park, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

There’s the three-mile Solstice Canyon Loop Trail and the more challenging 2.7-mile Mugu Peak Loop Trail for spectacular hikes with great ocean views. Enjoy comfort and luxury at the Malibu Beach Inn and Surf Rider Malibu.

Top Attractions

• Zuma Beach

• Malibu Pier

• Point Dume State Beach

• Malibu Creek State Park

• Wine Safaris

Best Time to Visit California

California’s diverse geography makes it a year-round destination. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:

• Spring (March-May): Perfect for wildflowers, mild weather, and fewer crowds.

• Summer (June-August): Ideal for beach vacations and outdoor adventures.

• Fall (September-November): Harvest season in wine country and cooler temperatures.

• Winter (December-February): Best for skiing in the Sierra Nevada or escaping to warmer destinations like Palm Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the must-see cities in California?

A: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are top picks for their cultural and historical significance.

Q: Which national parks should I visit in California?

A: Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, and Redwoods National Parks are all incredible options.

Q: What’s the best way to explore California?

A: A road trip is the most popular way to explore California’s diverse attractions.

Q: Are there family-friendly attractions in California?

A: Absolutely! Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, and Lake Tahoe are fantastic for families.

All the best on your trip to California. Will talk to you again in another post. Remember to share your best places to visit in California travel experiences with Tales of Journey. I look forward to hearing about your travel experiences. Oh, and one more thing subscribe to our free newsletter and get the latest destination information straight to your email.

Happy Travel!!