From towering redwood forests in foggy northern California to perfectly sun-kissed surf beaches in the south, the Golden State on the Pacific simply begs to be explored.
Tip back top vintages and dig into world-class cooking. Blow your mind exploring active volcanoes, soaring mountains, and grand redwood groves. Roam free at the world’s most iconic surfing beaches, craggy coves, and austere bluffs. Get your wheels in gear for incredible road trips from desert to dunes. Hoist your pack and delve into truly remote wilderness.
The Best Places to Visit in California
1. San Francisco
Best city for variety, iconic sights, and LGBTIQ+ travel
Pushing boundaries with trendsetting food, social movements, art, and technology, San Francisco is as far out as you can get without winding up in the Pacific.
This town is defined by bold moves. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is an engineering marvel in a color chosen over the Navy’s objections. Nature lovers elbowed aside speculators to establish Golden Gate Park. Alcatraz was occupied by Native American protestors and turned into a museum.
Discover the weirdest tech in the West at the Exploratorium and find inspiration in new-media installations at supersized SFMOMA. Be moved by poetry at San Francisco’s literary landmarks.
You don’t need to stay up late to be out and proud in SF. Flag-flying crowds are an absolute joy throughout June Pride month, at Sunday afternoon Castro “tea dances” and any sunny day at Dolores Park’s “Gay Beach.”
Local tip: Sample some of the state’s most interesting cuisine, from Asian-fusion creations that look like minimalist sculptures to some of the world’s best burritos at Mission District classics.
2. Redwood National Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Best region for magnificent trees and family travel
Hugging a tree never came so naturally as it does in California’s sun-dappled groves of ancient redwoods, the world’s tallest trees. Even a short stroll on the soft forest floor beneath them puts the rest of the world into perspective.
Redwoods thrive along the coast from Big Sur north to the Oregon border, and you’ll find massive stands of old-growth groves at Redwood National Park. Don’t miss the magical drive through Avenue of the Giants and California’s largest redwood park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Local tip: Stop for a pizza in Eureka and soak away any hiking aches at a nearby sauna.
3. Sonoma Wine Country
Best region for wine and food
As winemaking in neighboring Napa Valley grows ever more upscale, sun-dappled vineyards in Sonoma County are still surrounded by pastoral ranchlands. Wineries range from Sonoma Valley to the coastal Russian River Valley, with tasting rooms abounding.
In this down-to-earth wine country, you can taste vintages straight from the barrel while enjoying the company of winemakers. In addition to wine tasting, wallow in volcanic bubbling mud or float the river around LGBTIQ-friendly Guerneville.
Local tip: Follow your bliss down the Bohemian Hwy to Occidental and its epic Friday night farmers market, alive with live music.
4. Highway 1
Best region for road tripping, ocean views, and couples
The edges of the highway hug the coast and cradle small communities as it alternates between hairpin switchbacks and straight stretches through the countryside.
Start on the PCH at Santa Monica and cruise north through Malibu, Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and beyond. In Fort Bragg, stop and admire the “glass beach” and check out its artistic community.
5. Yosemite National Park
Best region for waterfalls, outdoors, and family trips
Feel the grandeur of everything monumental at Yosemite National Park. Thunderous waterfalls tumble over sheer cliffs, granite domes tower overhead, and the world’s biggest trees cluster in mighty groves of giant sequoias.
To achieve maximum wonder, stop at Glacier Point under a full moon, or drive the high country’s Tioga Rd on a cloudless summer day. Yosemite features some of the best hikes in California.
6. Los Angeles
Best city for celebrity sightings and movie buffs
Bordered by sandy beaches and winding canyons, Los Angeles is a sprawling cityscape of distinct neighborhoods and endless entertainment options. Bask in the design of the Walt Disney Concert Hall or commune with contemporary art at the Broad.
When you’re ready for your close-up, the stars come out at night for red-carpet premieres, and you can enjoy the Hollywood scene.
Local tip: How do you beat LA traffic? Hit the beach instead. Santa Monica offers an array of activities including learning to surf and enjoying the Pacific Ocean.
7. Monterey Bay
Best region for wildlife and family fun
Get up close and personal with California marine life in Monterey, home to vibrant marine habitats. Hop aboard a whale-watching cruise to explore or visit the aquarium to spot fascinating marine creatures.
Local tip: In winter, local Dungeness crab is a must-try on menus.
8. Death Valley National Park
Best region for desert drama and spring trips
The beauty of Death Valley is unexpected. Spring wildflowers daub the dunes, while desert wildlife thrives under the night sky. Explore narrow canyons, salt flats, and volcanic craters.
9. Lake Tahoe
Best region for mountains, adventure, and skiing
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe offers startlingly clear blue waters perfect for water activities. Winter transforms it into a ski haven, satisfying both downhill and Nordic enthusiasts.
Detour: Head to Truckee for the burgeoning local food scene and exceptional dining options.
10. Big Sur
Best region for coastline
Big Sur is a must-visit for stunning views. Waterfalls splash down sandy bluffs, hidden behind coastal bluffs are hot springs and literary retreats.
Local tip: Time your visit for peak waterfall season in May for a stunning experience.
This article was first published Aug 9, 2019 and updated Sep 11, 2023.
