27 Best Places to Visit in California in 2024 (By a Local)

Deciding which places to visit in California on an upcoming trip can be overwhelming as there are hundreds of great locations and attractions to see across the state. You don’t want to miss out on the best spots.

I’ve lived in California my whole life and want to assist you in choosing the absolute best places to visit in California. From top beaches to giant forests and national parks, I’ll share all of my top selections for the 41 best locations to see in California.

Let’s examine the finest destinations the Golden State offers.

27 Best Places to Visit in California

📺 If you prefer video, click below: Click to watch a 5-minute video by Jericha (another local travel expert from Travel Lemming!) highlighting her top 25 places to visit 👇:

Yosemite National Park

Located in the Sierra mountains with thousands of redwood trees and hundreds of hiking trails.

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Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited destinations in California. Tourists from all over come to the park during each season to appreciate its spectacular natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Hikers can choose from hundreds of trail options within the various hiking paths in Yosemite, such as the trek along Half Dome with added cables or the scenic Nevada Falls trail. Multi-day backpacking permits are also available for those wanting to immerse themselves in the woodlands surroundings.

The Yosemite Valley is vital for those visiting the national park initially. Rock climbers may be seen ascending El Capitan and Half Dome from ground level. Carry binoculars to watch the athletes achieve the unbelievable.

👉 Pro Tip: Travelers exploring the park by foot must possess a bear-proof storage container to safely keep provisions. The black bears inhabiting Yosemite National Park are unafraid to confront humans detecting the aroma of food.

San Diego

Explore the surf and scenic shops along the coast in this Spanish city.

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Los Angeles and San Diego consistently rank among the most visited locations in Southern California. San Diego is especially renowned as one of the premier places to visit in California for authentic Mexican cuisine thanks to its proximity to the Mexican border.

Sunbathe next to sea lions at La Jolla Beach, catch some excellent waves in Oceanside, or dine at luxurious restaurants such as Addison Restaurant for a perfect San Diego day trip.

The Gaslamp district offers everything one could want to do in San Diego on a Saturday night, including hookah lounges, wine bars, and dance clubs to create a night in San Diego to remember.

Lake Tahoe

A perfect Sierra Nevada mountain town for paddle boarding and other water activities.

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Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in California. The busy Lake Tahoe mountain town includes bike rental shops, hiking trails, and wooden cabin businesses. Most tourists stay in a highly rated mountain resort or one of the numerous Tahoe RV parks.

There are activities for all family members at Lake Tahoe. You can go to a local brewery, participate in kayaking, and play beach volleyball.

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a prominent hiking trail in the area spanning 165 miles long. Most people need 10-14 days to finish it but many visitors who don`t have that much time opt to hike small sections of the trail at once.

Another great full-day hike is Mount Tallac at 9.5 miles roundtrip, requiring roughly 4-6 hours to complete the route.

Disneyland

The legendary location renowned for nostalgic parades and attractions enjoyable by guests of all ages.

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Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Park is the primary amusement park in the United States. The park caters to guests of all ages and has rides and games for everyone.

In addition to thrilling rides like California Screamin’ and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission-Breakout!, visitors can also enjoy delicious foods and desserts throughout the park. Try the dole whip pineapple ice cream at the Adventureland Tiki Room or a satisfying churro from a street trolley.

A trip to Disneyland frequently involves spending the entire day at the park. To make the most of your time there, lodge at the nearby Disneyland Resort or another close hotel and enter the park as soon as it opens. You will also avoid longer wait times in this manner. It’s one of my best Disneyland recommendations!

San Francisco

Pedal along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or ride vintage train cars in this renowned California city.

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San Francisco is among the oldest cities in California. Founded by the Spanish in 1776, it is now a major attraction for visitors to the golden state.

San Francisco additionally stands out as one of the most expensive places to reside nationwide, trailing just behind New York City. The picturesque homes iconic of San Francisco create memorable backdrops.

June Lake

Lounge lakeside, kayak, or drive the scenic June Lake Loop in this Mono County town.

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Only 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, June Lake is a popular destination for fishing and lakeside relaxing among the Sierra Mountains.

The crystal clear waters of June Lake are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a surreal landscape. Several crowded boat ramp areas can be found, though I suggest locating an isolated section of the lake to relax on a floating raft.

If fishing is an avid hobby of yours, then June Lake should be on your travel list of places to visit in California. There is plenty of trout around!

Big Sur

An ideal central coast beach with sheer cliffs and perfect wave crests.

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Big Sur is an ideal California beach. Jagged cliffs impressively tower over scenic ocean vistas along this scenic Pacific Coast Highway oasis.

Most visitors tour famous beaches in Southern Californiasuch as Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. This leaves Big Sur overlooked and less busy than beaches in Southern California. Big Sur is a magical place where mountains intersect with the shoreline and generate private coves and perfect waves for surfing.

There is no mobile network service in Big Sur so if you need to work or contact family, you will have to stop at one of the town’s numerous cafes for wifi.

Wrightwood

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Thank you for reading my safety guide to Tulum! I hope I’ve helped answer whether Tulum Mexico can be safely visited currently. Next, check out this article on the Top Chichen Itza Tours from Tulum.

Hike in the Mount Baden-Powell area of the Wrightwood region, one of the highest elevations in the San Gabriel Mountains. There are also excellent mountain biking trails in the vicinity and various tent campgrounds.

When you`ve explored the natural scenery, stop by Wrightwood Brewery or Wrightwood Inn Bar to unwind with a chilled beverage.

Joshua Tree National Park

View desert wildlife, rock climb, camp, or hike in the popular national park.

📍 Google Maps | 27 Most Popular Activities to Participate in within Joshua Tree | 👉 Browse Accommodation Options for Joshua Tree on Booking

For those seeking fun destinations to see in California, look no further than Joshua Tree National Park. This park showcases some of the finest flora and wildlife of all California deserts.

Pick from shorter hiking tracks like the Barker Dam Trail and Ryan Mountain or longer ones for example the Lost Palms Oasis trail. I would suggest tent camping within the national park to witness an incredible desert sunset and countless bright stars in the wide nocturnal sky. It’s one of the best spots for camping in California.

If you are looking for places to ascend cliffs in California, you will love Joshua Tree National Park. Climbers from all over California dream of scaling some of the hundreds of routes in the park. Even if you don’t climb rocks, you are still guaranteed to see some climbers in action anywhere in the park.

To plan your visit, check out our guide to locations to reside in Joshua Tree.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Hike some of California’s highest mountains and witness some of the most beautiful spring blooms and winter snowfalls at high elevations.

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The Sierra Nevadas offer a mountain lover`s sanctuary. The Eastern Sierra Mountains remain my absolute favorite place to visit in California throughout any season.

Lone Pine town provides a good base for hiking numerous mountains in the vicinity. From this mountain community, access is available to the trailheads for Mt. Whitney and Mt. Langley. The Big Pine Lakes and Palisade Glacier trailheads are simply a brief drive away as well.

Bear witness to some of the most beautiful spring blooms and winter snowfalls at lofty elevations in the Sierra Nevadas. Lake Sabrina in Bishop is also a great area to see the changing autumn colors.

There are many restaurants and cafes in the Eastern Sierra towns along the 395 Highway and plenty of hotel and camping options as well.

👉 Pro Tip: Camp at no cost in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area in Lone Pine. Be aware of hot summer temperatures.

Death Valley National Park

The lowest elevation in the United States as well as one of the hottest.

The coastlines located in San Juan are excellent for partnered travelers,family units, and people vacationing alone.

Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest deserts worldwide. This area holds the record for the hottest air temperature at 134.1 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s safe to say, summer visits to the national park should be limited.

A fall, spring, or winter visit to Death Valley is exquisite. Pack a sled to glide down the park’s dunes or lace up hiking boots to summit the highest peak in the park, the 11,043-foot Telescope Peak.

Found only 1 hour and 45 minutes far from Lone Pine, the national park’s Badwater Basin salt flat is the lowest point in the United States. You can visit both the lowest point and the highest point (Mount Whitney) in the adjoining U.S. in the same day.

🚗 How to Arrive: Death Valley is quite distant from most significant cities. You will want to lease a vehicle from Discover Cars in Los Angeles to reach Death Valley NP.

Santa Cruz

A relaxed Northern California town best suited for beachgoers, forest campers, and coffee and music lovers.

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Santa Cruz is just over an hour from San Francisco and it’s much more relaxed than its northern counterpart.

This urban area`s popularity as a surf town may be due to – check out the well-known Capitola Beach and Steamer Lane. Or potentially the town attracts such a significant number of nomads and free spirits due to its proximity to the birthplace of the Grateful Dead.

Santa Cruz is one of the best places in California to seriously unwind. Spend the day lounging on the shore, walking a forest path near UC Santa Cruz, or cruising the longstanding Santa Cruz Boardwalk Amusement Park. The latter is among the coolest theme parks in California.

Check out vintage stores like Virgo Santa Cruz and coffee shops like Verve Coffee Roasters in downtown for a little street action. Is live music more your thing? The Blue Lounge, The Abbey, and The Catalyst are venues worth exploring.

Napa Valley

Experience some of the finest California wines by visiting vineyards in Napa Valley.

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The Napa Valley region is a mecca for wine aficionados. North of San Francisco, there are pursuits to engage people of all ages like rides in hot air balloons overlooking vineyards and shopping centers incorporating play areas. The area attracts mostly adult visitors interested in participating in a guided wine tasting excursion through Napa to tour several of the highly esteemed vineyards and wineries of Napa.

The perfect day in Napa Valley involves a spa treatment in the morning, golfing in the afternoon, and live music during dinner with a glass of wine. If you’re on an extended stay, explore the area’s hiking routes and bike trips.

Santa Monica Pier

Take a stroll along the seaside promenade and enjoy a Ferris wheel ride.

📍 Google Maps | 21 Top Actions to Take in Santa Monica | 👉 Browse Santa Monica Lodging on Booking

The Santa Monica Pier is a great California destination for families or dates. After sunbathing on Santa Monica beach, visit the small amusement park atop the pier.

Situated on Colorado Avenue, the Santa Monica Pier is a wonderful place to explore in California. Nearby you`ll find quality shopping and eateries, or you can pick up a quick hot dog or ice cream at the pier`s concession stand.

If you enjoy fishing, make sure to bring your rod as fishing from the pier is permitted and encouraged. There are also benches on the pier so you can unwind and watch the surfers below.

Palm Springs

A well-known desert town renowned for shopping and golf that regularly attracts Hollywood celebrities seeking an escape.

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Welcome to perhaps the most famous desert town in California. Palm Springs is a favored escape for many Hollywood celebrities so keep your eyes open while you’re there.

Palm Springs visitors love to golf and shop ‘til they drop at stores like Birkenstock and Lush Couture. Stay at one of many Palm Springs resorts and get a nice poolside tan while you wait for a delicious cocktail.

The summertime often brings temperatures surpassing 100 degrees, so visit during other seasons for a more enjoyable experience.

Refer to my guide featuring more than 30 unique activities in Palm Springs to help with planning.

Sequoia National Park

Roam among enormous hundred-foot redwoods and go to the location of the planet’s biggest tree.

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Explore hundreds of national park trails after the winter snow has melted out. Bring your binoculars because Sequoia NP is a good place to spot black bears, bobcats, foxes, and other wildlife.

The park’s ancient towering trees are exclusive only to Sequoia NP, which makes this park high on many travelers’ lists of places to visit in California.

Visit the monumental General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree measuring 275 feet tall and 36 feet wide. There are also many other activities in the park like hiking Moro Rock and taking in the vista from Amphitheater Point.

Balboa Park

A National Historic Landmark renowned for its blending of landscapes, recreation, and surrounding Spanish architectural heritage.

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Balboa Park is a nationally significant historical area in San Diego. Explore the park’s gardens, playgrounds, and surrounding Spanish architectural style on an entertaining day in the city.

The park also has over 17 museums that will keep your family entertained for hours. Plan a multi-day trip to the park to visit the dinosaur, space, photography, and science museums.

Exploring Balboa Park without a guide can feel overwhelming. Take the complimentary walking tour led around the IMAX Theater, gardens, cafes, and shops to fully experience what it has to offer.

Downtown Los Angeles

You’ll never exhausted things to do in the core of LA.

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Explore all downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has to offer including eateries, entertainment, and shopping. A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without visiting this famously renowned area.

Treat yourself to drinks at one of the many rooftop bars or go ice skating at LA Live during the winter. If shopping is more your interest, DTLA is one of the main shopping hubs in the world. From casual to couture styles, Downtown LA will satisfy all your shopping needs.

• ✈️ Best Near the Airport – Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

Catalina Island

Discover a unique island off of the Southern California coast where you can scuba dive, paraglide, jet ski, kayak, and hike.

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Urban commotion can be circumvented with a sojourn to the small nearby island. Its amenities annually attract many visitors.

Catalina is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday or to have a peaceful, work-free seaside escape. Take a short ferry ride to the island port and get ready for a day of fun, good eats, and relaxation.

You are able to scuba dive, paraglide, jet ski, kayak, and hike on Catalina Island. Avid backpackers also appreciate the Trans-Catalina Trail, a 38.5-mile coastal route around the entire island. Check out this guided Trans-Catalina Trail tour if you prefer not going solo.

Santa Cruz

A central coast town guaranteeing to keep you occupied with everything from state parks and beaches to museums and shopping.

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While going from San Juan to Cabo Rojo by air may be the priciest transportation method, it’s best for travelers wanting to save time and avoid driving.

Santa Cruz is renowned as a coastal town situated along the Pacific Ocean seaside haven but additionally has amazing forests with unique moss and plenty of banana slugs. The multitude of California state protected areas provide prime places for tent camping so bring your shelter!

The ocean-wrapped town also has trendy cafes, bookshops, and laid-back Californian brewpubs. Purchase some kettle corn and play carnival games on the Santa Cruz boardwalk or rent a bike and cruise along the beach path for the perfect trip to Santa Cruz.

Idyllwild

A peaceful California mountain town with great local hiking trails and pizza.

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During the winter season in Big Bear Lake, California, located within the San Bernardino National Forest, receives approximately 120 inches of annual snowfall. Enjoying activities in the snow is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in California during winter months.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, trekking, and rock climbing in San Jacinto State Park. Other activities include eating delicious pizza in town, shopping at the Idyllwild record store, and grabbing a beverage at the town brewery.

Keep your eye out for the deer and owls that frequent this small mountain town.

For more details, see our list of the best activities in Idyllwild.

Morro Bay

A sleepy fishing town along California`s coast where one can partake in activities like kayaking, hiking, shopping, bird watching, and more.

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Spend time in the charming Morro Bay town by the sea in central California. This fishing village has over 6 miles of shoreline perfect for relaxing with a novel.

Morro Bay, less than a four hour drive from Los Angeles, makes for an ideal quiet getaway from the busy metropolis. This preserved coastal town provides year-round activities like kayaking, hiking, browsing stores, bird watching and more.

Relax on the beach during the day then catch a film at the Bay Movie Theater after evening meals and drinks. Morro Bay has pleasant weather all year, so any time you choose to visit is suitable. To begin planning, see McKenna’s guide to the most popular activities in Morro Bay.

Santa Barbara

Surf some of California’s premier waves or experience the culinary scene in this university town.

📍 Google Maps | 21 Best Beaches in Southern California | 👉 Browse Santa Barbara Lodgings on Booking

Home to the University of California, Santa Barbara, this beautiful beach town offers fine art museums, mountain adventures, and refined food and wine experiences.

Wanting to experience the famous California surfing culture? Head to the local favorite East Beach for some excellent surfing.

More of a food connoisseur? State Street has the finest restaurants in the area. A trip to Santa Barbara is also incomplete without visiting Stearns Wharf, the oldest pier in California.

👉 Fascinated by History? Tour the old Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1820, and appreciate the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Kings Canyon National Park

Enjoy tall elevations, cascades, and thousands of trees in Kings Canyon.

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Kings Canyon National Park is home to the largest remaining grouping of giant sequoia trees on earth. This protected region attracts thousands of visitors each year who wish to observe these massive trees.

Kings Canyon’s glaciated valley also hosts hundreds of hiking trails, excellent camping, and horseback riding excursions. The horseback riding tours are only offered in the summer but provide a unique way to experience the remote beauty of the national park.

Check weather conditions before your visit to ensure park roads remain accessible.

Mammoth Lakes

A mountain town situated in the Eastern Sierra Mountains of California provides many chances for climbing and boarding in its alpine setting.

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Mountain lovers from California enjoy Mammoth Lakes. Situated on Highway 395, Mammoth has two distinct periods: hiking and rock climbing season, and skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing season.

There are so many fun things to do in Mammoth Lakes like hitting the slopes of Mammoth Mountain and melting your worries away in a hot spring ( Wild Willy’s Hot Spring is one of the best). Don’t leave Mammoth Lakes without visiting the Devil’s Postpile National Monument.

There is free BLM land surrounding Mammoth Lakes for campers and van-lifers to take advantage of, but most Mammoth visitors stay in a rented home or chalet near the mountain. The Westin Monache Resort and the Obsidian Residencies are among the top lodging options near Mammoth, according to reviews of places to rest in Mammoth.

👉 Expert Tip: The iOverlander app is the best approach to finding free BLM land for camping around the U.S. The interactive map is even accessible offline.

Old Town San Diego

Be sure to photograph the alluring Spanish architectural details found in Old Town.

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Old Town San Diego is the oldest settlement in San Diego. All of the restaurants, retailers, and hotels are conveniently within walking distance of each other.

The authentic Mexican eateries in this area feature freshly homemade tortillas which are cherished by both locals and visitors.

In addition to great cuisine and architecture, Old Town San Diego also has special annual events such as the Fiesta de Reyes Mariachi festival each February and the Cinco de Mayo celebrations every May.

Redwood National Park

Visit Northern California’s largest concentration of redwood trees.

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Redwood National Park houses some of the tallest trees worldwide, a number which stand taller than 370 feet. With over 200 miles of hiking trails in the park, many visitors choose to camp for multiple days to experience as much of the park grounds as possible.

You may get lucky enough to spot some elk, whales, seals, and seasonal wildflowers while taking a scenic drive throughout the park.

You will also want to fill your itinerary with exceptional hikes like the 3-mile Prairie Creek, Big Tree, and Cathedral Tree Loop trail or the 10.4-mile James Irvine Trail.

Refer to our guide of where to reside near Redwood National Park for preparation.

San Diego Zoo

View wildlife from across the globe at this non-profit sanctuary located in Balboa Park.

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The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is dedicated to wildlife conservation across its 100 acres supporting 660 species and over 700,000 plants from around the globe.

There are plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Watch an animal movie in the zoo’s interactive theater, take a guided tour by bus or boat, attend an informative wildlife talk, or go for a ride on the aerial cable car.

This non-profit shelter located in Balboa Park, north of downtown San Diego, is open everyday from 9 am to 9 pm.

Griffith Park

It is possible to gain extensive knowledge about the patterns of stars at the park`s observatory facility.

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Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States spanning over 4,210 acres. Many residents of Los Angeles spend their leisure time at the park.

Iceberg Lake is the largest of the group, and it’s worth taking the short detour along the Hayes Lake trail to view two of the five lakes up close.

Other park activities include camping, cycling, hiking, swimming, tennis, and soccer. Griffith Park is the perfect midday break for those working in Los Angeles and the ideal leisure spot for visitors.

👉 Read Later: 55 Best Actions in Los Angeles (By a Local)

FAQs About California Destinations

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Similar to Old San Juan, Isla Verde is lively around the clock. Bars, clubs, and eateries remain open until the early hours of the morning. Well-known clubs like Club Brava and Vivo Beach Club call this district home.

Have a blast exploring all the best attractions throughout California!