25 Best Places to Visit in California

From scenic mountaintops to the lowest point in North America, here’s where to go on your next trip to the Golden State.

• Best tourist destination: Yosemite National Park
• Underrated hidden gem: Solvang
• Best for families: Disneyland Resort
• Best for couples: Temecula
• Best for solo travelers: Palm Springs

California may conjure up images of sandy SoCal beaches, northern redwood forests, and iconic Hollywood sights, but its natural landscapes, towns, and cities are extraordinarily diverse. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking solitude in the desert or a couple planning a wine-filled getaway to a romantic vineyard, there’s something in the Golden State for every travel style and budget. From notable national parks to popular surf towns, here’s a look at the best places to visit in California.

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Yosemite National Park

Feel inspired by nature at every turn with a visit to Yosemite National Park. Here, you can take in views of Yosemite Falls and iconic peaks like El Capitan and Half Dome while hiking to lookout points or cruising down the road with the windows rolled down. Stay inside the park and camp at Curry Village, home to 14 tented cabins that sit under centuries-old trees.

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Solvang

The charming community of Solvang is well-known for its Danish-style architecture, which will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. Here, visitors can indulge in California’s wine culture and partake in specially themed festivities and Christmas markets around the holidays. Book a stay right in town at the Mirabelle Inn, home to First & Oak, a Michelin Plate-designated restaurant. 

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Disneyland Resort

Sneak in a little magic by paying a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth: Disneyland Resort. Visit one or both of its two theme parks—this is where Park Hopper tickets come in handy. Then, spend your nights at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where you can peek at the Disney California Adventure Park right out your window and take advantage of special guest perks like early entry. 

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Temecula

For a romantic getaway, head to California’s wine country. And no, we aren’t talking about Napa, but the southern part of the state’s wine region, Temecula. Located in southwestern Riverside County, this beautiful part of the state is home to some of the best wineries in the region, with nearly 50 area vineyards growing more than 30 varietals of wine. Enjoy a boutique stay at The New Inn, which offers just five stunning villas for ultimate privacy.  

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Palm Springs

Those seeking a chic, midcentury modern getaway should consider making a trip to Palm Springs. The average high temperature never falls below 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so no matter when you visit, you’ll get to enjoy some fun in the sun. Book a few nights at The Good House, a bungalow-style hotel that has an on-site spa and two pools fed by natural hot springs. 

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Joshua Tree National Park

Not far from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park offers more desert fun—though you’ll probably want to trade in your chic poolside outfits for some camping and hiking gear. Spend some time exploring the national park, then hunt for treasures in the vintage shops of downtown Joshua Tree. For a luxury glamping experience under the stars, book a few nights at AutoCamp Joshua Tree, a 10-minute drive from the park.

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Santa Monica Pier

While the entire city of Santa Monica is worth making a trip for, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which officially marks the end of the famed Route 66, should not be missed. The roughly 1,600-foot pier is home to an amusement park featuring a roller coaster, which takes you high above the beach before the short, belly-flipping drop back down. For a calmer ride experience, try the Ferris wheel, or stroll along pretty palm tree-lined pathways in nearby Palisades Park for a stunning vista of the coastline framed by the Santa Monica Mountains. Stay at the Shore Hotel—or the Sandbourne Santa Monica, which opened in 2024—for more Pacific Ocean views.

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Long Beach

For a dose of Southern California cool, head to Long Beach. As the name implies, the seaside community comes with plenty of waterfront appeal. But besides the beach, the city has its fair share of things to see, including The Queen Mary, docked at Queensway Bay; colorful pieces at the Museum of Latin American Art; and more than a few fish swimming at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Stay at The Cove Hotel, just a short drive from all the attractions.

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Mammoth Mountain

You’ll want to trade your surfboard for a snowboard on a visit to Mammoth Mountain. The beloved ski resort is home to some of the best powder in the world, as well as one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S. Don’t feel intimidated if you’re a newbie, as the resort also houses a ski school for anyone who needs to brush up on their skills or take lessons. Stay at Outbound Mammoth, a revamped classic that’s equal parts rustic and charming, making for an ideal mountain getaway.

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Healdsburg

For some wine-centric fun, head to the small town of Healdsburg, where you’ll find plenty of wineries that are happy to pour you their best glass. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, dining, and strolling through the Plaza, or hiking one of the scenic trails in the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve. Book a night or two at the Montage Healdsburg, which offers so many luxury amenities—130 spacious bungalows, private poolside cabanas, and a spa, to name a few—you may never want to leave.

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Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara deserves a spot on any must-see list of California. Its gorgeous beaches, quaint shops, wonderful hotels, stunning street art, and delicious seafood restaurants make it a place worth experiencing for more than just a long weekend. Book a stay at the divine San Ysidro Ranch, a 550-acre private enclave that’s tailor-made for total relaxation. 

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Lake Tahoe

Get your fill of fresh mountain air on a visit to Lake Tahoe. This beautiful destination, tucked in the Sierra Nevada range, also straddles the neighboring state of Nevada. It’s an all-season delight, with no shortage of ski resorts to enjoy in the winter, plus wildflowers in springtime, warm days by the shore in summer, and plenty of vivid foliage in autumn. Book a room at Edgewood, situated just over the border on the Nevada side, for a luxurious stay with lakeside views to boot.

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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Take in the endless vistas at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which happens to be the largest state park in California at more than 640,000 acres. While it’s known for stunning super blooms in the spring, the park is scenic year-round. It’s a stellar place for hiking, admiring avant-garde art at nearby Galleta Meadows, or camping out under the stars in one of the park’s developed or primitive campgrounds.

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Big Sur

Looking for awe-inspiring views? Take a drive up (or down) Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, to Big Sur. The cliffside community overlooks some of the most jaw-dropping coastline in the state. It’s also where you’ll find several scenic hiking trails, including treks through redwood groves in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or down to the beach at Andrew Molera State Park, among others. Book a stay at the Post Ranch Inn, which provides beautiful ocean views from every window.

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Channel Islands

Hop a boat to the Channel Islands, an archipelago that remains wild and free, and is often referred to as “North America’s Galápagos.” Explore the eight islands, home to more than 2,000 different species of plants and animals, by sailing from one to another, joining a kayak tour, or scuba diving off the coast. It’s also a perfect spot to pitch a tent, so you never have to leave the great outdoors. 

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San Diego

Looking to paddle out with the best surfers in California? Then, it’s time to head to San Diego, the place to be for a surf lesson (or two) and lounge session on the warm, sandy shore. Beach activities aside, the city offers a ton of other things to do, from tasting local IPAs at fantastic breweries to visiting the famed San Diego Zoo, one of the best zoos in the world. Book a stay at Pendry San Diego, which features a rooftop pool and city skyline views.

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San Francisco

Treat yourself to the perfect urban escape in San Francisco. There’s no shortage of things to do in the NorCal city, from browsing vintage boutiques in the famed Haight–Ashbury neighborhood to checking out vibrant murals in the trendy Mission District—not to mention getting a taste of the incredible dining scene. Don’t miss popular outdoor spaces, like The Presidio, which offers fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Golden Gate Park is home to the lovely Japanese Tea Garden and the San Francisco Botanical Garden, among other highlights. Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, one of the city’s best hotels, for a central location in swanky Nob Hill and plenty of personalized service.

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Death Valley National Park

Don’t let its name fool you—Death Valley National Park is actually a place teeming with life, if you know where to look. Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and check out the seemingly endless salt flats, home to a snail that can only be found here. It’s also worth exploring Salt Creek, which shelters another endemic species—the pupfish, which has evolved to live in the region’s saline waters. Snag a room at the historic Inn at Death Valley, which dates to 1927 and counts Clark Gable and Marlon Brando among its famous former guests. 

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Big Bear Lake

Find mountain magic at Big Bear Lake. In the winter, the community becomes a snow-filled haven, much to the delight of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts in Los Angeles, who can get here in under a two-hour drive. In summer, the area transforms into a lakeside paradise, so there’s no need to pick one or the other, as every season here is just as special. Book a stay at Noble + Proper, a gorgeous, high-design hotel known for its chic cabins.

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Catalina Island

Grab a boat to Catalina Island, where you can hop on a bike and pedal for as far as your legs will take you around the jagged coast—we recommend renting an e-bike to help you take on the massive hills. Stop in the city of Avalon for a bite, a drink, or an ice cream, or join an inland tour to see the local herd of American bison. At day’s end, retreat to one of the island’s top hotels, like Hotel Atwater, a beloved gem in Avalon that dates to 1920. 

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Redwood National Park

Located in the northern part of the state, Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world—a few are so large, you can actually drive through them. Stay in the park at one of the on-site campgrounds—both backcountry and developed spots are available—or in one of the delightfully charming Elk Meadow Cabins near the middle of the park. 

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Hollywood

Even though Hollywood is a relatively small neighborhood in Los Angeles, its natural beauty and storied landmarks imbue it with star quality. Start by viewing the iconic Hollywood sign—whether you hike up to it or check it out from afar, it all counts. Then, pay homage to your favorite celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and tour legendary spots like the TCL Chinese Theatre. Stay at ​The West Hollywood Edition, a sleek property located at the end of the famed Sunset Strip, about a 10-minute drive from all the Hollywood Boulevard action.

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Laguna Beach

While Laguna Beach is known mainly as a surf mecca, the area is also bursting with artistic talent. You can experience the city’s artsy side by visiting the many galleries or taking a self-guided tour of its impressive collection of sculptures and public art. Like San Diego, it’s a great place for a surf lesson, or you could always hang on your board long enough to watch a pod of dolphins swim by. Spend the night at the Surf & Sand Resort and leave the windows open all night to snooze to the sound of the crashing waves.

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Cuyama Valley

In Northern California between Bakersfield and Santa Maria, the remote Cuyama Valley offers a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle. Here, you’ll find natural attractions like Carrizo Plain National Monument and its legendary Painted Rock (though you’ll need to obtain a permit online before visiting it). Nearby, the plains surrounding scenic Soda Lake bloom with wildflowers each spring, drawing visitors from mid-March to mid-April. The Cuyama Buckhorn, an artfully designed and renovated 1952 motel, makes a great base for exploring the area.

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San Luis Obispo

About a three-hour drive from Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo is known for its Pacific Ocean views and foothills full of vineyards. You’ll find several notable wineries along the Edna Valley Backroads Wine Trail, while Baileyana and Chamisal Vineyards offer tasting rooms closer to town. There’s no shortage of upscale places to spend a night or two, with San Luis Creek Lodge, Madonna Inn, and Hotel San Luis Obispo being among the most popular.