California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and not just for its family-friendly theme parks that can keep you entertained for days on end. Like other states along the West Coast, California has gorgeous coastlines, national parks, waterfronts, and even deserts.
California comprises some of the most beautiful cities in the US: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, etc. Among the greatest things to do in California includes visiting places like Lake Tahoe, Disneyland, Big Sur, and Napa Valley.
There are also iconic pieces of architecture worth viewing and the chance to see a celebrity in Hollywood. Whether you are looking for nature, mainstream entertainment, or cultural and educational activities, California has something to offer everyone.
So you don't have to try to pick which of the hundreds of places to visit because here we have listed the top attractions in California to add to your bucket list.
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Yosemite National Park is one of the top attractions in California. This gorgeous wilderness rests along the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its granite cliffs and waterfalls are the kind of beauty that only exists along America's West Coast: immense, majestic, and breathtaking.
The land was so stunning that John Muir, the famous naturalist, worked tirelessly to preserve the Yosemite Valley and the surrounding land as a national park before national parks even existed.
With one visit to any spot in the park, it's easy to see what was so worth preserving. Now every generation can experience this pristine and magnificent land just as Muir did a century ago.
We recommend spending a few days in Yosemite to admire its majestic beauty. This 3-day camping adventure in the Yosemite Valley is a good option to spend 2 nights camping outdoors with hiking and swimming in the Yosemite National Park.
But if you are short on time, it is possible to take one of these great day trips to Yosemite.
Accommodation: Where to stay near Yosemite National Park
Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Also Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
As one of the most iconic sights to grace the world of sitcom"¦ the Golden Gate Bridge is one California attraction you just can’t miss! It is a massive, towering red suspension bridge that links the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean.
It is also a California landmark. Tourists come from far and wide to ride on its smooth streets and to look upon the bay from the bridge. As an actual, functional roadway, it may seem like there isn’t much to do here, but the bridge is just the beginning!
On either side of the Golden Gate Bridge lies two stops. Both are optimal picture and lookout vantage points to get great views of not just the bridge but the iconic, golden city as well.
There are typically several tourists and locals walking, biking, running, jogging, vlogging, and everything in between at these stops because of how great the view is from up there.
Be sure to make the most of your memories and stop at a landmark for some iconic shots in front of such an iconic stop.
If you want to make the most of Golden Gate Bridge, you may want to consider one of these tours.
Accommodation: Where to stay in San Francisco
Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in San Francisco
Discover the “happiest place on Earth” when you visit Disneyland Park in Anaheim. It’s one of the top vacation spots in California.
Whether you’re an adult looking to relive your childhood or a kid seeking fun, you’ll indeed create lasting memories in the famous park.
Disneyland Park is the original Disney theme park developed directly by Walt Disney. It opened in 1955 and is the second-most visited theme park in the world. It was the inspiration behind all of the other Disney parks globally.
You can easily spend one or more days enjoying everything Disneyland has to offer. It’s divided into themed park sections that bring the world of Disney to life.
Main Street, Mickey’s Toontown, and Adventureland are a few of the many areas. Each section has its own rides, attractions, games, restaurants, shops, and more.
Accommodation: Where to stay near Disneyland
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
The cliffs and ridges of Big Sur, draped with redwoods and rising right out of the ocean, are an unparalleled beauty to behold. The population here is sparse, but the hiking trails and vistas keep people moving through on a regular basis.
The construction of Highway 1, which weaves along the edge of the mountains, opened up the previously inaccessible region to arts and tourism, attracting the likes of Jack Kerouac and Hunter S. Thompson to its rustic locale.
The views from the highway are stunning, with many scenic viewpoints along the way for you to stop off and enjoy the twinkling blue ocean below.
Driving along the Big Sur is definitely one of the best things to do in California.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Big Sur
Address: Big Sur, CA 93920
Spend the day in Universal Studios Hollywood for a chance to see behind the scenes of your favorite films.
The park is one of the most visited theme parks in the world, offering an immersive experience into an operational film studio.
Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Los Angeles. It’s set on the lot of the first Hollywood Studio. The original tours expanded over time to now host several theme park attractions like rides and other activities.
You’ll get to explore two sections of the park – Upper Lot and Lower Lot.
Upper Lot is a fun, family-friendly area where you'll enter the worlds of some of the studio's biggest films.
Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or tour Springfield, USA, with your favorite Simpsons characters. It has a roller coaster, studio tours, interactive 3D experiences, and live shows.
Lower Lot features themed rides dedicated to Jurassic Park, The Mummy, Transformers, and a kid's play area.
Keep an eye out for your favorite characters walking around the park for photos and fun.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles
Be sure to pack lots of water before venturing into the Death Valley National Park. It’s home to Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth.
The park covers more than three million acres across California and Nevada – it’s one of the largest national parks in the United States.
Death Valley National Park is a vast, remote wilderness area of the Mojave Desert. It welcomes millions of visitors every year to experience an otherworldly landscape of valleys, dunes, towering mountain peaks, and more.
Tour the park from your vehicle for sightseeing or hop out to explore on foot.
You'll see the prominent summit of Telescope Peak, the park's highest point, or walk the salt flats of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Visitors can go for a hike up to Dante's View for the best views of the desert landscape.
It really is one gorgeous spot and one of the best attractions in California.
Accommodation: Where to stay near Death Valley National Park
Address: Death Valley National Park, CA
Also Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of the top things to do in California.
With over four million visitors annually, it’s the most popular zoo in the country. You’ll get a chance to see thousands of animals representing more than 650 different species from around the world.
The San Diego Zoo is a large zoo space divided into various exhibitions. Each exhibition represents a unique geographic or climate region and showcases the animals native to the areas.
Exhibits include Africa, Australia, tropical regions, arctic regions, and more. Some of the favorite animals to see in the park are lions, gorillas, polar bears, giraffes, elephants, penguins, rhinos, and lots of birds. It also temporarily housed a giant panda from China.
Ride the gondola lift or the zoo tour bus for the best way to navigate the large park. It also includes a safari park for a cage-less encounter with your favorite animals.
Accommodation: Where to stay in San Diego
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Also Read: Top 26 Attractions & Things To Do in San Diego, California
Lake Tahoe is one of the popular places to go in California to enjoy outdoor recreation all year round. Visit the largest alpine lake in North America to enjoy a wide range of activities suitable for everyone.
Situated on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake known for its stunning scenery.
It offers views of snowcapped mountains in the distance and is surrounded by a forested coastline.
You can visit Lake Tahoe at any time of the year and find fun things to do.
During the summer, it’s popular for boating, hiking, and biking. Take the Tahoe Rim Trail for a 170-mile loop trail around the lake or hike the Eagle Lake Trailhead to see sights in the El Dorado National Forest.
Skiing is common during the winter at one of the many ski resorts.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this mountain paradise, the vistas that surround you will make it a trip to remember.
We recommend opting for one of these tours to explore the most scenic spots around the lake.
Accommodation: Where to stay near Lake Tahoe
Address: Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In and Around Lake Tahoe
Hop on a ferry from Long Beach to reach the beautiful Santa Catalina Island. This small island is one of the unique vacation spots in California.
Although it has less than 5,000 permanent residents, it attracts over one million visitors every year.
Avalon is the main town on the island to begin the Catalina experience. One of the main attractions here is Avalon Beach, where you’ll get to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Pacific Ocean and clear waters.
Snorkeling and diving are two of the favorite activities, thanks to the water’s high visibility.
You can explore the underwater marine life in the Avalon Underwater Dive Park or take a tour on a glass-bottom boat.
The island also has a rich cultural heritage. Check out the Catalina Island Museum exhibitions to discover artifacts from Natives dating over 8,000 years ago.
Address: Santa Catalina Island, CA 90704
The northern California coast is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world.
The Redwood National and State Parks are comprised of multiple parks to preserve the old-growth forests. The region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll have a chance to walk amongst some of the tallest Redwood trees in the world. Views peering up the towering canopy are mind-boggling as you explore the forest grounds.
The parks are great for outdoor recreation – go on nature walks to see the diverse flora or take a guided ranger tour to learn more about the landscape and trees.
Highway 101 runs through a large portion of the park, close to the coast.
There are also many scenic drives, such as Avenue of the Giants or the Coastal Drive. Don’t miss the drive-through trees along the routes.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Crescent City
Address: 1111 2nd St, Crescent City, CA 95531
Also Read: 25 Best State Parks in the US
The iconic Joshua Tree is the centerpiece of the Joshua Tree National Park, one of the most popular parks in California. The park encompasses an area split between the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert, established in 1994 for the preservation of the natural landscape and the native trees.
Joshua Tree National Park is among the top places to visit in California, attracting millions of people every year to the park grounds. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park filled with forests of Joshua Trees, unique rock formations, and untouched wilderness landscape.
Some of the favorite things to do in the park include hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and camping. There are lots of trails set up around the park ranging in length and hiking difficulty, leading to points of interest such as the Hidden Valley, Arch Rock, the Giant Marbles, and the Barker Dam.
Head up to Key View by either hiking or driving for the best viewpoint in the park. You’ll have views of the San Andreas Fault and Coachella Valley "" perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset.
Joshua Tree National Park has several visitor facilities - nine campgrounds with plumbing or the option for backcountry camping.
Accommodation: Where to stay near Joshua Tree National Park
Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Also Read: What to Pack When Going to a National Park
Heart Castle is an excellent example of the extravagant American lifestyle during the golden age of the early 20th-Century. The castle belonged to William Randolph Hearst, a media tycoon, and built by a famed woman architect, Julia Morgan.
The Hearst Corporation donated the house and all of its content to the State of California after his death. It was opened to the public in 1958 for a glimpse into his opulent lifestyle.
Hearst Castle was a home dwelling, developed to exhibit the vast art and furniture collections of Hearst, ultimately becoming a social venue for big parties. The castle includes original furnishing and art, seen throughout the main house, Casa Grande, and the cottages: Casa del Mar, Casa del Monte, and Casa del Sol.
Bus rides take visitors up the Enchanted Hill to the site of the castle for touring around the rooms and suites of the house or throughout the grounds. It features two large pools, a garden, and sits atop a hill for sights of the surrounding area. Visitors can take different tours for discovering the complex’s art, interiors, and more.
Hearst Castle is located near San Simeon, California, and visited by hundreds of thousands of people annually.
Accommodation: Where to stay in San Simeon
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
The Channel Islands is an archipelago located just off the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean. Five of the eight islands make up the Channel Islands National Park, established in 1980 to preserve the natural scenery of the undeveloped islands.
The central hub of the national park is Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands. The park includes land and sea area, also designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the abundant marine life and flora.
Visitors must take a ferry from the mainland to arrive at the islands (and travel between islands) to regulate tourism and maintain the island ecosystem. The main visitor center showcases exhibitions with information about the island and cultural history.
The Channel Islands National Park is popular for recreational activities and sightseeing. Some of the top things to do include diving, kayaking to explore the unique sea caves, hiking trails to scenic viewpoints, or relaxing on one of the many beaches. The park allows overnight camping.
The national park is open all year round, with autumn being the best time to catch whale sightings during migration. Other exciting marine life to see include dolphins and sea lions.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Ventura
Address: Ventura, CA 93001
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Santa Barbara
In 1943, two parks, the Sequoia National Park and the Kings Canyon National Park, merged to create one large park, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The parks are open all year round and make for a perfect attraction for day trips, or overnight stays in nature.
The diverse landscape of the parks includes a large area of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, among valleys, canyons, marble caves, and lots of glacial lakes. Some of the natural landmarks worth checking out include Mt. Whitney, one of the highest peaks in the US, San Joaquin Valley, Zumwalt Meadow, and the Roaring River Falls.
The park is well known for the giant sequoia trees located throughout the park.
Tourism is accessible for visitors coming to experience the scenic beauty of the park. Many people come for scenic drives through the mountains, the variety of hiking trails leading to the top destinations of the park, or camping at the designated campsites. The park also includes a visitor center.
The area included within the park was initially occupied by Native Americans. Tour around the park, and you may discover archaeological sites serving as evidence of early human habitation.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Three Rivers
Address: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Whenever you’re in LA, be sure to look up "" you might be able to see the iconic Hollywood Sign. Whether you’re viewing the sign from afar or take the hike up to see the letters up close in person, the Hollywood Sign is a must-see when visiting LA.
The Hollywood sign was created in 1923. Initially, the purpose of the sign was as an advertisement, but due to its popularity, the sign is now a mainstay landmark and pop culture icon for Hollywood. The Hollywood Sign Trust was established for the protection and maintenance of the letters.
The sign sits atop Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills. The white letters measure 45-ft tall and 350-ft long for all the letters combined. Throughout the years, the letters have gone through lots of restoration efforts to maintain the current appearance.
Hiking up to the Hollywood sign is a frequent activity for visitors. Various hiking trails lead up to the top of the mountain "" the most frequented route runs through Griffith Park, where you’ll have a great view overlooking LA.
These are two good hiking tours of the Hollywood Sign.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Los Angeles
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90068
Also Read: Most Unusual Things To Do in Los Angeles
San Francisco is known for its steep hills "" one of the architectural wonders to combat the steepness of the slopes for vehicles in a one-block stretch of Lombard Street. Lombard Street is considered the most crooked street in the world, complete with eight hairpin turns.
The one-way street leads downhill and recommended to drive 5mph. It’s an active street as part of the US 101 highway and passes through the Russian Hill neighborhood. Due to popularity and slow driving speed at the block, the area frequently experiences traffic congestion. Current efforts are being made to regulate tourist driving to experience the steep, sharp turns.
Approximately two million people visit Lombard Street every year. The name derives from a street of the same name in Philadelphia. The block includes stairways on either side leading up to the top of the block, providing visitors a picturesque view of the curvy street, and San Francisco.
Lombard Street is a stop along the cable car, which is one of the best ways to visit the road. You’ll be dropped off at the top of the block, where you can walk down for photos while avoiding significant driving traffic along the street.
Address: 1070 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Also Read: Most Unusual Things To Do in San Francisco and Most Famous Streets of San Francisco
Take a break from the upscale shopping and dining in LA to visit Venice Beach, one of the premier beaches LA most famous for its boardwalk. Venice beach stretches for miles, lined with lots of recreational areas and eclectic vibes along the boardwalk.
Millions of people come to Venice Beach every year, with the busiest time being during the Summer. Its nickname, ‘Muscle Beach,’ came from the outdoor gym equipment established along the beach. The beach includes several areas for enjoying sports such as basketball courts, skate parks, handball and tennis courts, and volleyball.
Visitors can rent bikes or electric scooters to ride along the boardwalk or the designated biking trails.
Surfing is very popular at Venice Beach, with the waters having the perfect conditions for all skill levels.
The highlight of Venice Beach is the boardwalk. Vendors line the boardwalk where you can find great souvenirs or check out some of the shops lining one side of it. The boardwalk is a mesh between the hipster culture of the locals and massive tourism. The atmosphere is perfect for people watching or enjoying the sights and sounds of the beach.
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90291
Also Read: The Best Beaches in the USA and The Best West Coast Beaches You Must Visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in Monterey, California. The aquarium is along Monterey Bay, primarily exhibiting the marine life and ecosystems of the local bay for conservation efforts.
The aquarium receives more than two million visitors annually. The architecture features broad glass windows and an outdoor deck looking out towards the bay to create a seamless visual transition from the outdoors to the aquarium exhibits.
Monterey Bay Aquarium features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The aquarium is most known for successfully exhibiting a captured Great White Shark, an exhibit shut down due to resource consumption of maintaining the animal.Â
The best exhibitions to check out in the aquarium are the Seawater systems, featuring over 35,000 animals of more than 500 species swimming in millions of gallons of water. The Open Sea Wing is also a notable exhibit featuring one of the biggest aquarium windows in the world. The water conditions of each display are filtered depending on the natural habitats of the animals.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium serves an educational purpose, providing information and daily lectures about the sea creatures exhibited. There are hands-on exhibitions for kids, making it a very family-friendly destination to visit in California.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Monterey
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Also Read: 25 Best Aquariums in the USA
Before the Griffith Observatory was built, planetariums were thought to be only accessible by scientists for research purposes. The observatory was built to counter the myth and make astronomy available to everyone. It’s now one of the best things to do in LA for free.
The Griffith Observatory was built in 1935, located on Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park. There are hiking trails leading up to the observatory, or accessible via driving. It’s an excellent viewpoint overlooking the LA basin, Downtown Los Angeles, and the nearby Hollywood Sign.
Many people visit to enjoy the observatory grounds, being one of the best viewpoints in LA with beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains. Come to take photos before heading inside to discover an entirely different world.
Inside the observatory are a variety of exhibitions and facilities. The exhibits showcase space and science themes "" the Foucault pendulum, a planetarium theatre, exhibitions of the evolution of telescopes, and the history of the Universe. Many interactive and live shows, such as the Centered in the Universe show, happen daily.
Visitors can look through the massive Zeiss Telescope, emerging from the observatory’s dome, for views of celestial bodies with clear skies.
Address: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Santa Monica Pier is in Santa Monica, adjacent to Los Angeles. The pier starts off Colorado Avenue, transitioning into a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. The pier is a destination for fun, eating, and enjoying the sights.
One of the highlight features of the Santa Monica Pier is the towering Ferris wheel, located within the Pacific Park amusement park. Visit at nighttime to see the vibrant lights from the Ferris wheel. The amusement park is family-friendly with rides for all ages.
Santa Monica Pier features several other attractions, including the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a video game arcade, and frequently hosts outdoor concerts and movies during the Summer.
The pier is a popular place to find great restaurants "" one of the favorite destinations is Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, thanks to scenes of Forest Gump shot here. In addition to the restaurants, some of the famous pier snacks include hand-dipped ice cream or try a hot dog on a stick.
Sightseeing, fishing, and exercising are a few of the recreational activities to do at the pier. There is seating along the pier or head down to the beach to relax with views of the pier in the background.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Also Read: Top 21 Santa Monica Attractions You Shouldn't Miss
Old Town San Diego is one of the exciting California attractions to see its first European settlement.
It dates back to the early 1800s where Spanish settlers arrived and established an adjacent Presidio Mission. Old Town was founded as the commercial and political hub for the mission.
Old Town is free to the public and an exciting place to walk around. It’ll transport you into history as you walk the town streets.
You’ll see historic adobe-style homes, a courthouse, a schoolhouse, and horse stables. Some of the buildings are preserved from the era, while others were reconstructed to their original appearance.
Visitors can enter many of the buildings to see the past way of life. There are many gift shops to pick up souvenirs and grab a bite to eat in one of the local Mexican restaurants.
Address: Old Town San Diego, CA
Alcatraz Island is one of the most infamous prisons in the world. It’s known for housing notorious criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Today, it’s one of the must-visit attractions in California for an inside look at prison life.
Alcatraz Island is a prison unlike any other – it was established on the island to prevent escape due to the distance to shore and the water conditions. Between its operation between 1934-1963, there were several attempts, but none were successful.
Visitors can reach the island via a ferry ride from San Francisco. Once you arrive, you can take a guided tour of the site to see abandoned prison cells, the Warden’s House, dining hall, recreation yard, and more. It’s also the site of one of the country’s oldest lighthouses.
The tour experience includes hearing captivating stories about the infamous prisoners and prison life.
Address: San Francisco, CA 94133
It remains unsolved the real reason why Mrs. Winchester built the fascinating architectural wonder, but the Winchester Mystery House is one of the most haunted places to go in California that attempts to explain it.
Winchester Mystery House is located in San Jose. It was owned by Sarah Winchester, who relocated to California after the passing of her husband.
It’s rumored that she was instructed to move West and built the mansion to satisfy victims from Winchester rifles, a company owned by her husband.
Her wealth and inheritance after his passing led her to create one of the most impressive (yet haunted) mansions in the state.
The mansion is a beautiful Victorian-style home that features unusual features like a door and stairs to nowhere.
Visitors can take haunted tours through the mansion to explore its unique features with the possibility of encountering unsettled spirits.
Accommodation: Where to stay in San Jose
Address: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
The northern region of California is full of natural wonders. Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park for a chance to see one of the most picturesque volcanic landscapes. The centerpiece is Lassen Peak, the world’s biggest plug dome volcano.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is the only place where you’ll find every type of volcano. It’s used for research, but there’s plenty of exciting activities to enjoy as a visitor.
It welcomes over a half million visitors to explore the hiking trails and landscape scenery.
The most popular hike in the park is the Lassen Volcanic National Park, which ends at the summit of Lassen Peak, where you can see into the crater. Other favorite trails include the King Creek Falls trail or a hike around Manzanita Lake.
Check out the visitor center when you arrive for updated information on available trails.
Address: 21820 Lassen National Park Highway, Mineral, CA 96063
You would never have imagined that a trip to California would make you feel like you’re in Europe. Solvang is a famous Danish Village established in California by Danish immigrants who introduced their local heritage to America. You can now explore the town that transports you to a historical European village.
From the historical European architecture to the local festivals, Solvang is an authentic Danish experience that brings many of Denmark’s best features to California.
It’s a popular tourist destination to see attractions like the replica Round Tower and the replica Little Mermaid statue created from the originals in Copenhagen, the Denmark capital.
Grab a bite to eat in the local bakeries for delicious Danish pastries, or go for a ride on a horse-drawn carriage to sightsee stunning buildings.
The best times to visit are during the local festivals, such as Danish Days and the Solvang Grape Stomp.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Solvang
Address: Solvang, CA
Also Read: Top 10 European Style Cities in America
RMS Queen Mary is a retired steamship that once made frequent trips between Europe and America during the mid-1900s.
It was once an upscale method of traveling and now serves as a tourist attraction for a glimpse into its rich past.
RMS Queen Mary operated from 1936 to 1967, where it sailed to its final docking site in Long Beach, CA. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains well preserved in its original opulence.
Visitors can climb aboard the ship and walk the decks to admire its grand scale and art deco interior. Most of the ship is open for tourists and has several restaurants onboard and a museum to learn about its history.
It also operates as a hotel where visitors can stay in the updated first-class cabins.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Long Beach
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
You can’t visit San Francisco without visiting the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s one of the best things to do in California, where you’ll get to experience the city’s most vibrant area.
It’s a major tourist destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Fisherman’s Wharf has something for everybody. It’s a scenic waterfront location with attractions such as Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, multiple museums, and a shopping center. It’s easily accessible via cable car or streetcar.
You’ll find some of the best seafood in San Francisco, or head to Ghirardelli Square for a taste of the delicious chocolate.
It’s one of the main public gathering places to enjoy local holidays and events, like the 4th of July fireworks and air shows during Fleet Week.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Burney
Address: Jefferson Street, Between Hyde and Powell Streets, San Francisco, CA 94133
The beauty of Burney Falls makes it one of the most popular waterfalls. It isn’t the biggest waterfall in California, but it’s indeed one of the most unique that you have to see to believe.
Burney Falls is located in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. It’s an extraordinary waterfall that has water flowing from above and several sprouts from underwater springs.
It forms an impressive sight reaching a heat of 129-ft at the biggest drop and 250-ft wide.
There are a few trail options to reach the falls. The easiest way is to park nearby and walk a couple of minutes to the site.
The Burney Falls Loop Trail is an alternative that takes you for a one-mile loop trail to see the falls.
The best time to see it is from April to October, when the falls have the highest water volume.
Address: Highway 89, Burney, CA 96013
The Anza Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park that features a diverse landscape. If you can handle the desert climate, you’ll have plenty of exciting sights and natural landmarks to explore within the park.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park includes features such as the Santa Rosa Mountains, Blair Valley, Smuggler Canyon, and more.
It was historically inhabited by Native Americans who left behind artifacts and rock art. Several fossils were discovered within the park.
It’s an excellent destination to enjoy incredible hikes through the scenic landscape. Several trails lead to archaeological sites and lookout points like Font’s Point.
It’s home to the endangered bighorn sheep that many visitors can spot while hiking the park.
Visit during the spring to see the colorful wildflowers blooming.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Borrego Springs
Address: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Also Read: 25 Best State Parks to Visit in the US
Visit California to see some of the most famous ghost towns in America. Bodie State Historic Park is a preserved ghost town that showcases life during the gold rush.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore over 100 buildings remaining in the town.
Bodie State Historic Park experienced a population boom in 1876 after discovering gold. Millions of dollars of gold were successfully mined locally, but the town was soon abandoned after the gold ran out.
The town of Bodie is an exciting place to visit because much of it was preserved after being abandoned. As you walk around the gravel roads, you'll see lots of evidence from a former life.
Some of the buildings open to the public include the Stamp Mill, a schoolhouse, saloon, and bank.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Bridgeport
Address: CA-270, Bridgeport, CA 93517
California is one of the most popular states to visit in the US. It’s a destination for everyone to explore famous California attractions in every corner of the state. You’ll find incredible natural scenery, world-famous theme parks, iconic cultural landmarks, ghost towns, and some quirky attractions everywhere you look.
There are a lot of things to do in California for all ages. Kids can explore the fantasy world of Disney, and adults can enjoy the numerous wine regions dotting the state. It’s a destination for adventure travels, family visits, or a relaxing retreat. Visit some of these top tourist attractions in California to discover what makes it such a top bucket list destination.