California is big in every sense, coastlines that run for days, city skylines you know from movies, and national parks that make time slow down. If you’re comparing the best places to visit in California, you’ll find there isn’t just one “right” answer. From redwood cathedrals to surf towns and food cities, California caters to every traveller’s desires, whether you’re planning a family trip, a couples’ getaway, or a solo loop with a dusty hiking pack.

Use this as a practical playbook. You’ll see why each stop earns a spot on a list of best California spots, and the best things to do once you arrive.

Explore Top California Cities: San Francisco | Los Angeles | San Diego

20 Best Places to Visit in California

Below are 20 handpicked destinations, north to south, mountains to sea. Dip in where it fits your style and timeframe.

1. San Francisco

Few cities pack so much into seven square miles as San Francisco. Neighborhoods change block by block – Mission murals, North Beach bakeries, Japantown ramen, and the views keep sneaking up on you from Coit Tower steps to Lands End trails.

Fog (Karl) can roll in fast, but that’s part of the charm. Come for tech myths and movie landmarks; stay for parks, Victorian streets, and dumplings you’ll daydream about later.

Transit makes it easy to hop between icons like Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, cable cars , and to ferry over to Sausalito for a different angle on the bay. For families, museum clusters (Exploratorium, Cal Academy) take the weather guesswork out of a day.

Things to do

• Walk Crissy Field for Golden Gate views
• Explore the Presidio’s trails and food spots at the Main Post
• Ferry to Alcatraz (book ahead)
• Ride a cable car at least once (Hyde Street for the hill thrill)

2. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is less one city and more a string of worlds: beach towns, hillside neighborhoods, studio backlots, and a serious art and food scene. If you’re comparing the best places to go in California for variety, this one’s a top contender – sunrise at Griffith Observatory, a taco crawl, modern art at the Broad, and sunset on the pier all fit in one very LA day.

Families and movie fans often pair studio tours with beach time; couples lean into museums and rooftop dining. Traffic is real, so cluster your days by neighborhood – DTLA/Arts District, Hollywood/Griffith, Santa Monica/Venice.

Things to do

• Hike to Griffith Observatory for skyline and Hollywood Sign views
• Browse the Getty’s art and gardens
• Studio fix: Universal’s Studio Tour or the Warner Bros. tour
• Bike the Marvin Braude Bike Trail from Santa Monica to Venice

3. San Diego

San Diego is easy-breezy without being boring. You get sunny beaches, serious craft beer, and a huge city park packed with museums and gardens. La Jolla’s cove and sea caves feel worlds away from the Gaslamp’s nightlife, even though they’re a short drive apart. Families rate it highly thanks to the zoo, LEGOLAND (nearby Carlsbad), and miles of gentle surf.

It’s also a solid base for kayaking, whale-watching, and burrito research (an acceptable vacation project). If your list of places to visit in California needs low-stress days that still feel full, this is your spot.

Things to do

• Stroll Balboa Park; pick two museums and the Botanical Building
• Kayak La Jolla Sea Caves or watch the seals at Children’s Pool
• Spend half a day on the USS Midway (even kids are into it)
• Day trip to Coronado for wide, soft sand

4. Yosemite National Park

Glacier-carved cliffs, waterfalls that change with the seasons, and meadows where you’ll stop mid-sentence – Yosemite is the national park that turns people into park people. Yosemite Valley is the classic first look, but consider staying long enough to see Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point as well.

Families can stick to valley bike paths and short waterfall walks; hikers can pick from Half Dome permits to long, quiet days beyond the crowds. Off-season (late fall and early spring) offers softer light and fewer cars – just check road and tire-chain rules.

Things to do

• Pedal the valley loop; catch views of El Cap and Yosemite Falls
• Drive (or shuttle) to Glacier Point for the big panorama
• Ranger programs for kids; early mornings for wildlife watching
• If visiting in peak season, review reservation rules before you go

5. Big Sur

Big Sur looks like a screensaver, only you can smell the sea and hear the waves. Highway 1 threads along cliffs and coves, and every turnout begs for “one more photo.” McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge headline the stops, while Pfeiffer Beach’s purple-tinted sand and keyhole arch feel like a hidden level. Before you drive, check Highway 1 conditions – slides can close sections, and detours add time.

Expect a slower pace: short coastal hikes, coffee with ocean mist, then a redwood walk under mossy branches. Lodging ranges from rustic cabins and campgrounds to once-in-a-lifetime splurges on cliffside decks.

Things to do

• Park and walk the overlook trail for McWay Falls
• Sunset stop at Bixby Creek Bridge pullouts
• Hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s redwoods
• Call out road closures with Caltrans QuickMap before rolling

6. Lake Tahoe

Tahoe is a four-season classic: swim-and-paddle summers, blazing aspens in the fall, and snow sports when winter hits. The water is famously clear, with green-to-blue gradients you could stare at all day. Pick North Lake for a calmer, cabin vibe or South Lake for more nightlife and events. Emerald Bay is the signature view, whether you hike down to Vikingsholm or take it in from the overlook.

With kids, aim for beaches with gentle entry and easy parking; couples often plan sunrise paddles and sunset dinners.

Things to do

• Paddleboard or kayak early for glassy water
• Hike Eagle Lake or Mt. Tallac (for the ambitious)
• Winter: ski Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, or Northstar
• Drive the lake loop; stop at Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay

7. Napa Valley

Rolling vines, tasting patios, and a pace that invites long conversations – Napa pairs well with birthdays, anniversaries, and “we finally made it” trips. With 400+ wineries and dozens of tasting rooms, it’s smart to book two or three appointments per day and leave time for lunch and a nap (or the Wine Train).

First-timers often stay in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, or Calistoga and mix a big-name estate with a small, family-owned winery. Non-wine hours are easy to fill with art, spas, and scenic bike rides.

Things to do

• Book tastings in advance (2-3 per day is plenty)
• Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train or hop the open-air Wine Trolley
• Soak in Calistoga’s mineral pools; catch sunset at a hillside patio
• Pair with nearby Sonoma for more small-town charm

8. Santa Barbara

They call Santa Barbara the “American Riviera” for a reason: red-tile roofs, palm-lined walks, and mountain ridges that tumble into the sea. Downtown is compact, the Urban Wine Trail is walkable, and the waterfront bike path is a crowd-pleaser. Couples love the hidden courtyards; families love the beach time that doesn’t require a long drive.

Head to the Funk Zone for galleries and tasting rooms, then climb the County Courthouse tower for the best free view in town. Day trips to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley add wine country and rolling hills to the mix.

Things to do

• Bike Cabrillo Boulevard; relax at East Beach
• Explore the Funk Zone’s wine rooms and murals
• Climb the Courthouse tower for 360° views
• Day trip: Solvang pastries and Santa Ynez wineries

9. Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea

Aquarium first, then coastline. Monterey Bay Aquarium sets the tone for a trip that leans oceanic: sea otters, kelp forests, and conservation stories that stick. From there, it’s tide pools at Point Lobos and the 17-Mile Drive’s famous turnouts.

Carmel’s village streets, galleries, and tasting rooms round out a perfect weekend. It’s also a go-to for travelers who like short scenic hikes and a lot of picnic stops.

Things to do

• Reserve aquarium entry time in advance
• Walk Point Lobos trails (Sea Lion Point and Cypress Grove)
• Do the 17-Mile Drive; stop at Spanish Bay and Lone Cypress
• Eat clam chowder on the wharf or in a sourdough bowl

10. Joshua Tree National Park

Where two deserts meet, the landscapes get weird in the best way. Jumbo boulders, twisty Joshua trees, and wide-open skies make this a favorite for climbers, photographers, and stargazers. It’s one of the best California spots for a night of Milky Way watching – bring a headlamp and a blanket and let your eyes adjust.

Base in nearby Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms, or pair with a Palm Springs stay for pool-by-day, stars-by-night balance. Sunrise and sunset are the sweet spots for color (and cooler temps in warm months).

Things to do

• Bouldering at Jumbo Rocks (scramble, don’t climb past your skill)
• Walk Hidden Valley and Barker Dam loops
• Sunset at Keys View for Coachella Valley vistas
• Respect desert heat; carry more water than you think you need

11. Death Valley National Park

It’s extreme, and beautiful. Badwater Basin sits at the lowest elevation in North America, and the park stretches from salt flats to shifting dunes and golden badlands. Sunrises at Zabriskie Point feel downright lunar. Visit in cooler months or keep outings short and shaded in summer.

This is a place for slow drives and short walks punctuated by long horizons. If you’re building a list of things to do in California that truly feel different, Death Valley belongs on it.

Things to do

• Sunrise at Zabriskie Point; golden hour at Mesquite Flat Dunes
• Walk the salt polygon lines at Badwater Basin
• Artist’s Drive for the technicolor hills
• Carry extra water; fill up on gas whenever you can

12. Sequoia & Kings Canyon

If redwoods are tall, sequoias are massive – Sequoiadendron giganteum are the heavyweights of the tree world. The General Sherman Tree is the largest on Earth by volume, and standing under it is a goosebump moment. Trails weave through the Giant Forest with a hush you’ll remember later.

Kings Canyon adds granite walls and glacial valleys with far fewer crowds than Yosemite. Families can do short, paved routes to the big trees; hikers can disappear into backcountry meadows and high passes.

Things to do

• Walk to the General Sherman Tree (paved trail)
• Drive the Generals Highway; stop at Tunnel Log and Moro Rock
• Picnic in Kings Canyon’s Cedar Grove
• Check seasonal road openings before you commit

13. Redwood National & State Parks

Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on earth, some reach 350+ feet, and these parks protect groves that feel like nature’s own cathedral. Trails in Prairie Creek, Jedediah Smith, and Del Norte deliver that “hushed, mossy, primeval” vibe in minutes. Bring rain layers any time of year and expect spotty cell signal.

This is a choose-your-own-level destination: scenic drives like Newton B. Drury Parkway, easy loops such as Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and longer treks where you’ll see more elk than people.

Things to do

• Hike Fern Canyon (permit or shuttle may be required in season)
• Cruise the Avenue of the Giants (nearby Humboldt Redwoods)
• Picnic under cathedral-like canopies in Prairie Creek
• Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk near meadows

14. Channel Islands National Park

Five rugged islands, no hotels, almost no services – and huge payoffs: sea caves, wildflower slopes, and wildlife encounters from foxes to seabirds. Boats run from Ventura and Oxnard to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and beyond via the park’s official concessioner, Island Packers. Day trips are easy; overnights feel like stepping off the grid (permits required).

Come prepared: pack all food and water, and plan around the boat schedule. Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking are the big draws; even the ride out doubles as a dolphin-spotting tour.

Things to do

• Hike on Santa Cruz Island for ocean-cliff views
• Kayak the sea caves with a guided tour (conditions dependent)
• Snorkel in kelp forests; watch for dolphins on crossings
• Book Island Packers tickets early for weekends and holidays

15. Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)

The classic family trip still delivers. Two parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure – plus Downtown Disney mean you can mix rides with parades, character meals, and snacks with devoted followings. Stay nearby to nap-and-return with little kids, and use the app to cut down on wait times.

If you’re narrowing down best places to visit in California with family, Disneyland is the easy yes, and it pairs well with beach time in Orange County (Newport, Huntington, Laguna).

Things to do

• Rope drop early; grab Lightning Lane for headliners
• Park-hop in the afternoon when lines ease
• Take a mid-day hotel break for sanity
• Add a beach day before or after for balance

16. Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley

Palm Springs is one of the more relaxed, design-forward places to visit in California when you want desert calm with style. Expect mid-century architecture on quiet boulevards, boutique hotels with immaculate pools, and a lively arts scene that keeps the town from feeling like a retired postcard.

What to expect practically: mornings are for short hikes in nearby canyons (cooler and far less crowded before noon), afternoons are prime pool hours, and evenings suit sunset cocktails or a tramway ride up to alpine air. For couples it’s restorative; for families it’s easy to balance kid-friendly resorts with day trips to Joshua Tree or the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Things to do

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to cool mountain air
• Walk the Design District for shops and cafés
• Hike Tahquitz Canyon to the falls (check hours)
• Day trip to Joshua Tree for sunset

17. Mendocino Coast

Mendocino is the kind of coastal corner that makes you slow down: cliffside trails opening to raw beaches, tidy seaside towns that keep independent bookstores and good cafés, and a patchwork of redwood pockets nearby. It’s one of the best California spots for people who want dramatic views without the crush of big-tourism hubs. The coastline mixes sculpted sea stacks with sheltered coves, great for photography, relaxed beach walks, and shoreline tide-pooling.

Mendocino rewards slow travel – bring layers, plan for foggy mornings, and leave time for a seaside dinner after a headland hike.

Things to do

• Walk Mendocino Headlands State Park
• Ride the Skunk Train through redwood country
• Search tide pools at MacKerricher State Park
• Sip Anderson Valley pinot on the way up or down

18. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz mixes surf-town energy with accessible redwood escapes. The Boardwalk – an old-school seaside amusement park, anchors the waterfront, while nearby West Cliff Drive gives long, flat ocean walks and great sunset vantage points. There’s a youthful, surf-friendly food and coffee scene downtown that pairs well with a day of beach and a late-afternoon rail or redwood walk.

Expect easy logistics: the Boardwalk provides a compact slice of old-fashioned fun (rides, arcades), while Henry Cowell and Wilder Ranch give you short, shaded hikes under towering trees.

Things to do

• Ride the Giant Dipper on the Boardwalk
• Walk West Cliff to Natural Bridges
• Hike among redwoods at Henry Cowell
• Grab beers and tacos along Pacific Ave.

19. Mammoth Lakes & Mono Lake (Eastern Sierra)

High lakes, volcanic crags, and crisp alpine mornings – Mammoth is a four-season base for hikers, anglers, skiers, and hot-spring seekers. Summer brings wildflowers and trail days; winter brings serious snow and long ski runs with wide Sierra views.

Thirty minutes north, Mono Lake’s otherworldly tufa towers make for surreal sunrise or sunset stops. Check current conditions at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, boardwalk access and facilities can change with fire or weather impacts.

Things to do

• Hike to Emerald Lake or Duck Pass; soak in nearby hot springs
• Ski Mammoth Mountain or snowshoe the meadows
• Photograph Mono Lake tufa at golden hour
• Drive the June Lake Loop for classic alpine scenery

20. Catalina Island

Catalina feels like a focused mini-escape, only an hour from the Southern California coast by fast ferry, but a world away in pace and palette. Avalon’s painted buildings, narrow lanes, and blue harbors make it one of the most convenient places for a quick island reset. Ferries run frequently from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, so Catalina is easy to plug into a coastal itinerary.

If you have only a day, pick either Avalon for snorkeling and the Descanso Beach Club vibe or Two Harbors for a quieter, more outdoorsy tone. Overnighting turns the island into a calmer world – mornings are ideal for kayaking quiet coves, and evenings are when the island’s small-town charm shines (local bison tours are a surprising draw).

Things to do

• Snorkel Lovers Cove or try a semi-sub tour
• Zip line or off-road eco tour into the island interior
• Kayak quiet coves early; lounge at Descanso Beach
• Time your return ferry for sunset

How to plan your trip to California

California rewards a little structure. Start with your non-negotiables (e.g., Yosemite + San Francisco + Big Sur), then choose one region per day to reduce driving. If you’re chasing a few of the best places to go in California, cluster your plan: Bay Area + Yosemite + Tahoe (north), or LA + Disneyland + Joshua Tree + Palm Springs (south). For Highway 1, always check road status – winter storms can close Big Sur segments – and build in buffer time.

Book national park lodging and any required permits well ahead (such as Yosemite’s peak-hours reservation). For wine country, reserve tastings; 2-3 per day is a comfortable pace. Big city hotels often price higher midweek for business seasons; coastal towns peak on summer weekends.

When to go & how to get around (quick hits)

Seasonality: Desert parks shine Oct-Apr; high Sierra trails peak July-Sept; coastal towns are year-round with cooler evenings.

Driving: A car is helpful outside major cities. For LA and the coast, group sights by area to cut down on traffic time.

Reservations: National parks and top attractions benefit from advance planning in summer.

Road status: Before Highway 1 road trips, check Caltrans QuickMap for closures or delays.

Sample Itinerary: 7-Day California Road Trip

Day 1-2: San Francisco: Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz.

Day 3: Yosemite National Park: Drive to Yosemite and spend the day exploring the valley.

Day 4: Monterey and Carmel: Drive down the coast to the charming towns of Monterey and Carmel.

Day 5: Big Sur: Drive the scenic Highway 1 through Big Sur.

Day 6-7: Los Angeles: End your trip in LA, exploring Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beaches.

Sample Itinerary: 10-Day California Adventure

Day 1-3: Los Angeles: Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and attractions.

Day 4-5: Joshua Tree National Park: Experience the unique beauty of the desert.

Day 6: Death Valley National Park: Visit the lowest point in North America.

Day 7-8: Yosemite National Park: Hike among the giant sequoias and marvel at the waterfalls.

Day 9-10: San Francisco: End your trip in the City by the Bay.

Money & timing tips

• Mix paid “marquee” experiences with free hikes, viewpoints, and beaches
• Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sept-Oct) bring good weather and fewer crowds in many regions
• If you have kids, build nap windows and hotel-pool time into each day
• If you’re driving long stretches, set waypoint towns for lunch and fuel

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in California with family?

San Diego (zoo, beaches), Disneyland (Anaheim), Monterey & Carmel (aquarium, easy coastal trails), Yosemite Valley bike paths, and Lake Tahoe’s gentle beaches. These mix short drives, kid-friendly activities, and lots of outdoor time.

What are the best places to visit in California for couples?

Napa Valley for slow winery days, Santa Barbara for sunsets and walkable wine rooms, Big Sur for dramatic coastline stays, and Mendocino for quiet headlands and cozy inns. Add a San Francisco weekend for food and neighborhoods.

Where do most people visit in California?

Top draws include San Francisco’s icons, LA’s studio-and-beach combo, Disneyland in Anaheim, and San Diego’s zoo and waterfront. Yosemite is the marquee national park, with Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, and wine country rounding out many itineraries.

What are the best things to do in California if I only have a week?

Pick a region and go deep:

• SoCal: LA highlights, a Disneyland day, Joshua Tree sunset, San Diego beaches.
• NorCal: San Francisco neighborhoods, a Yosemite day or two, Lake Tahoe paddle or ski day, and one Napa tasting day.

Do I need a car?

In big cities, you can use rideshares and transit, but for Big Sur, Tahoe, national parks, and many coastal towns, a car makes the trip more flexible, especially with kids or gear.