California is one of the biggest states in the U.S., with a number of culturally unique places and differing climates to explore. You can visit coastal towns along the Pacific, mountain towns near the Nevada border, famous national parks, or hidden gems that few people know about. With so many options, choosing where to go can take countless hours of time and effort.
I’ve been to California many times and have spent so much time exploring the state and finding the best places to visit. So you can have the experience I’ve enjoyed, I curated this list of top spots worth exploring, each offering something special to your California adventure.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the top destinations to visit year-round. Known for its breathtaking mountain views, expansive lake, casinos, and various activities, it offers something for every season.
In the summer, you can appreciate the lake with boat rides, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports. As the seasons transition into spring and fall, the area becomes a haven for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and road trips. When the season changes to winter, the area transforms into a winter sports paradise, offering snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and skiing.
Although Lake Tahoe is a fantastic destination year-round, winter is my favorite time to visit, mainly because of the many ski resorts. While you can’t go wrong with any of them, Palisades Tahoe is my top choice. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. and has a rich history, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960. Its vibrant village area adds a unique charm that’s fun to explore after a long day on the slopes, making it one of the best ski resorts in the Tahoe area.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a gorgeous destination located off the coast, not far from Los Angeles. It’s known for its rugged mountainous terrain, picturesque harbor, and fun activities. While many visitors come for boating, the island also offers incredible scuba diving opportunities. For those who prefer land-based adventures, Catalina boasts fantastic hiking trails, including a trek to the highest peak, Mt. Orizaba.
Though a day trip to Catalina Island is possible, I recommend staying a few nights to fully appreciate the island and its views.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the United States. It draws millions of visitors worldwide to experience its natural beauty and activities such as hiking and camping. For the best conditions, I recommend visiting during the summer and fall, as parts of the park can close during winter and spring due to snow and icy conditions.
If you plan to visit, it’s a good idea to research hiking trails in advance to fully appreciate the scenery, and some require permits. One of the most remarkable hikes in the park is the Half Dome trail.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes shares many similarities with Lake Tahoe, but one feature I love about it is that it’s less crowded and offers a quieter experience. Unlike Tahoe, which is centered around one large lake, Mammoth Lakes is known for its numerous lakes, including popular ones like Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George, and Horseshoe Lake.
Similar to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes offers year-round activities, with many visitors flocking in the summer for swimming, kayaking, camping, and hiking.
However, I particularly enjoy visiting during the ski season when the surrounding mountains are blanketed in snow and the ski resorts in Mammoth are in full swing. One of my favorite aspects of Mammoth’s ski resorts is that they stay open for an extended period, often into the summer months. Thanks to the late-season snow, you can enjoy skiing well beyond the traditional winter season.
San Francisco
San Francisco is another hugely popular city in California. It is best known for its iconic bright red Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the Golden Gate Strait.
While many visitors come just to photograph this famous landmark, the city also offers a vibrant restaurant scene and other must-see attractions nearby, such as Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the legendary San Francisco cable cars.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one of California’s most underrated national parks. While most visitors head to Yosemite, the Redwoods, or Joshua Tree, Death Valley is equally fascinating and deserves more attention. The landscape here is unique, featuring a mix of colorful rocks, canyons, salt flats, pine trees, and sand dunes, making it a remarkable destination.
Though it’s perfect for simply taking in the views, I especially enjoy the hiking opportunities within the park. The Mosaic Canyon Trail, in particular, is a standout. It leads you through the canyon with incredible views of the surrounding rock formations and distant mountains. Just don’t bother coming during summer. Death Valley can experience temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the dead of summer.
Malibu
Malibu is a well-known coastal destination in California, famous for its stunning beaches, celebrity appeal, and impressive homes. Many celebrities have beachfront properties here.
If you’re visiting for the first time, check out El Matador State Beach. It’s an ideal spot to soak in the breathtaking scenery and capture some beautiful photos. The area is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, caves, and tide pools, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Big Bear
Another great destination to check out is Big Bear, located in Southern California, just outside Los Angeles. It’s less well-known than Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes, making it a perfect spot for a hidden gem with similar qualities.
Big Bear offers excellent water activities in the summer, hiking and mountain biking during the shoulder seasons, and skiing in the winter. As a winter sports enthusiast, I appreciate that Big Bear is a bit off the beaten path compared to other California ski destinations, which means a more local atmosphere and fewer tourists on the slopes.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a top wine destination in the U.S., with almost 500 wineries to explore. To truly soak in the scenery and enjoy the local wine scene, it’s best to visit for at least a weekend, if not a whole week.
Some must-visit places include Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Domaine Carneros, and Opus One Winery.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is another renowned park in southern California. Known for its unique desert landscape, striking rock formations, and distinctive cacti, it’s an excellent spot to escape the nearby city life in Los Angeles and San Diego.
You can enjoy various activities in the park, such as rock climbing, scenic drives, and hiking. For the best experience, consider visiting for the weekend and camping in the area. As an International Dark Sky Park, it features spectacular starry night sky views.
Los Angeles
No discussion of places to visit in California is complete without mentioning Los Angeles, one of the most famous cities in the world. People travel from all over to experience this iconic, star-studded city known for its celebrities, multimillion-dollar properties, and luxury shopping.
If you’re interested in high-end shopping, visit Beverly Hills. For a glimpse of celebrity culture, head to Hollywood Boulevard, where you can walk the famous Hollywood stars. And don’t miss out on taking a tour to see the city’s famous sights, celebrity homes, and popular venues.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica, a coastal town just outside Los Angeles, is well-known for its terrific beaches. However, it also offers a range of popular attractions, including the Santa Monica Pier, which features an amusement park, an aquarium, and more.
In addition to the famous pier, the city offers stunning parks and a charming downtown area. It’s the perfect addition to your California itinerary, allowing you to relax by the beach or explore local attractions, making Santa Monica a top choice for those wanting various experiences.
Big Sur
Big Sur is renowned as one of California’s most stunning coastal regions. Known for its dramatic cliffside terrain overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is also one of the best hiking destinations in the state.
The area features numerous trails that blend rugged mountain landscapes with breathtaking coastal views. Some even lead to remarkable beaches with striking rock formations.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities, Big Sur is an ideal spot and a fantastic addition to any California trip.
San Diego
We can’t talk about places to visit in California without mentioning sunny San Diego! This city is famous for its gorgeous beaches, great weather, and popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Belmont Park, and the USS Midway Museum.
There’s so much to see and do here. Personally, I love hiking in San Diego, especially at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Redwoods National and State Parks
I’m a big fan of spending time outdoors and soaking in nature, and one of the best spots for this in California is Redwoods National and State Parks. True to its name, this park is renowned for its redwood trees, but these aren’t just any trees; they include some of the tallest on the planet. The tallest tree in the park, Hyperion, stands over 115 meters (380 feet) tall.
It’s an incredible place to visit and a perfect addition to your California itinerary if you want to immerse yourself in nature and experience sights you’ve never seen before.
This article originally appeared on Travel Binger.
Abby Price is a travel writer based in Virginia and the founder of the digital publications Summit Skier and Trekking Price’s. With experience skiing at over 20 resorts across the United States, Abby is an expert in skiing and has spent years researching and sharing insights on the best gear, tips, and essentials for an enjoyable time on the mountain. Abby is also an expert on traveling in the United States. When it’s not ski season, she often travels around the country, having visited over 40 states and lived in three different ones. Through her writing, she inspires others to try new hobbies, enjoy life fully, and explore new places to experience new atmospheres and adventures.
