Some places in California are simply best to visit in the summer, due to the weather, the wildflowers, the animals, a meteor shower, or special events.
Glancing at the list below, you might notice that some of California’s best-known places aren’t on it—that’s because some can actually become less appealing in the summer. For example, the coast from San Diego to San Francisco is subject to summer fog. Theme parks can be crowded. Other popular California locations, including Joshua Tree, Palm Springs area, and Death Valley can be unbearably hot in the summer.
Check the list below for some of the best getaways in the Golden State during summer, whether you’ve got a whole week or just a weekend.
01 of 16: Sequoia National Park
Sequoia is a great option for a National Park getaway, especially since it’s much less crowded than Yosemite, which is packed to the max during summer.
However, you can visit Sequoia anytime, but only in the summer can you drive all the way down into Kings Canyon, which is considered the deepest canyon in North America.
02 of 16: Lake Tahoe
With moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights, Lake Tahoe is a summer refuge, providing relief from Central Valley heat or coastal summer fog.
Moreover, there are plenty of activities in and around the lake when it’s warm. Hiking trails abound, and ski resorts adapt their facilities for summer activities like mountain biking and scenic tram rides. Consequently, all roads will be open, and you won’t have to worry about snow chains and whiteouts.
03 of 16: Mendocino Coast
On the Mendocino Coast, wildflower season comes later than it does in other parts of California. The early summer blossoms—especially the showy rhododendron bushes—make this already scenic coastline even more attractive.
Additionally, Mendocino’s location in northern California experiences its most comfortable temperatures during summer.
04 of 16: Mono County
The area of California east of the Sierras along US Highway 395 is scenic and uncrowded any time of year. However, in the summer, it’s easier to get there from NorCal locations when the mountain passes are open.
Take a look at what you can see along Highway 395, and it will surely inspire you to start planning your weekend trip right away.
The most common route across the Sierras from San Francisco and other parts of Northern California is through Tioga Pass in Yosemite, usually open to vehicles from late May/early June through mid-November.
05 of 16: Paso Robles Wine Country
To avoid the summer crowds in Napa and Sonoma, consider traveling to Paso Robles, an exciting and growing wine region that’s not yet overcrowded.
06 of 16: Mount Lassen
You may have heard about the massive Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption in 1980, but it’s not the only volcano on the West Coast that erupted in the 20th century. In fact, Mount Lassen in northern California erupted first in 1915, creating an explosion that spread volcanic ash up to 200 miles away.
If you visit Lassen Volcanic National Park today, you can explore lava flows, steaming fumaroles, and an unusual landscape, including a frightening spot called Bumpass Hell. The park is most accessible in the summer when the roads are clear of snow, and the lodges are open.
07 of 16: Pismo Beach
One of the best beach towns for a taste of iconic California summer is Pismo Beach, situated on the coast between Santa Barbara and San Francisco.
Pismo Beach has all the right ingredients: a cute downtown with a lively mix of local eateries and souvenir shops, a scenic pier nearby, and even a beach where you can drive and camp on the sand.
It never seems overcrowded, yet it does get busy in the summer. Therefore, it’s one of the places where you need to start planning your summer getaway early to avoid disappointment.
08 of 16: Russian River
The Russian River runs west across Sonoma County, reaching the Pacific Ocean near Jenner. Along its path, you’ll find wineries and many recreational opportunities.
Near the Russian River, you can also go hiking, horseback riding in Armstrong Woods, swim in the river, or take a canoe or kayak ride along the river. You can enjoy all of this when you plan a fun Russian River getaway.
09 of 16: Los Angeles
Los Angeles is not at its tourist-friendly best during summer. Inland, it can be quite hot; the theme parks are often overcrowded. At the coast, the beaches may experience June Gloom, a weather condition that could transform your sunny summer dreams into gray day realities.
However, L.A.’s summer evenings are delightful and ideal for a night out.
10 of 16: San Diego
San Diego seems like a perfect summer getaway destination, but it often becomes overrun with out-of-state vacationers and Arizona residents seeking to escape the heat.
Start planning your San Diego summer trip early when accommodations are still available at lower prices. Additionally, consider visiting attractions during less busy hours and check out summer night activities to make the most of your time.
11 of 16: San Francisco
San Francisco’s famous fog is a summer phenomenon, created when air in the central valley around Sacramento heats up, rises, and draws cool coastal air inland.
After dark, it’s easier to ignore the fog. There are plenty of activities to enjoy on summer nights, including a great dining scene, shows, events, and leisurely evening strolls around the city.
12 of 16: Sacramento River Houseboating
A great way to beat the summer heat is to rent a houseboat and embark on a peaceful getaway with family or friends.
The Sacramento River Delta area is busiest from June through August, especially crowded over the Fourth of July, making early planning essential.
13 of 16: Shasta County Houseboating
At Lake Shasta, you can rent a houseboat and leisurely explore the lake over an entire summer weekend. Alternatively, you can dock the boat for a while and embark on day trips to nearby sights in Lake Shasta and surrounding Shasta Country.
Lake Shasta is easy to navigate in a houseboat, featuring numerous nice, sloping beaches where it’s convenient to tie up overnight.
14 of 16: Sequoia High Sierra Camp
If you enjoy the idea of camping in a tent but would prefer the comfort of a proper bed and hot shower instead of struggling with a sleeping bag, Sequoia High Sierra Camp is an excellent choice.
This camp is a short hike from the nearest road and provides an outdoor experience without sacrificing essential comforts. It is open only during the summer.
15 of 16: Yosemite High Sierra Camps
While Yosemite is often too busy to be at its best in the summer, there’s one exception. It is the only time you can experience a hiking trip to Yosemite’s five High Sierra camps. These camps are arranged along a loop in Yosemite’s High Country and are open from late June through September, depending on the weather and snowfall.
16 of 16: Lake County
A trip to the lake is always a good summer activity, and you’ll find Lake County refreshingly uncrowded.
Lake County is located just north of Napa County and features the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, an emerging wine region, and charming small towns to explore.
