There is something to excite visitors of every age in California thanks to its wide variety of attractions. Within the state’s boundaries are beaches, lakes, forests, mountains, and deserts. California is known for its natural beauties, but it’s also home to a number of wine districts, opulent hotels, and, of course, Hollywood. It could be difficult to decide how to fit in all of the state’s most significant must-sees in one or many visits with all of this and so much more.
Whether this is your first trip to California or you’ve been here before, let our guide assist you in planning your trip.
Let’s Explore The Best Things to Do in California
For all travelers, California has a plethora of exciting and thrilling activities to choose from.Here is your quick to-do-list of best things to do in California. Scroll down to learn more.
1. Visit San Francisco & Los Angeles
San Francisco is an absolute must-see when visiting California. A visual feast awaits you with its picturesque bayfront location, tall hills, and an abundance of vibrant Victorian homes lining the avenue. In addition to all of that, the city is recognized as one of the top culinary destinations in the country and is home to several internationally renowned attractions such as Chinatown and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Every itinerary for California should include a visit to The City of Angels, a must-see destination. In addition to being the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles has an unmatched dining scene, some of the most well-known beaches in California, such as Venice and Santa Monica, world-class art institutions, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
2. Explore Napa Valley as a World Class Wine Destination
Though many people are aware of Napa Valley’s status as a famous wine region, there are other wine-producing regions in the state. In addition to Napa, Sonoma offers a wider variety of attractions, such as the beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park and the safari drives offered by Safari West, which are modeled like those in Africa.
Explore the Santa Ynez Valley, which is home to some of the nation’s most diversified grape growers, by going even further south.
3. Visit the Redwoods and Sequoias
Did you know that the only place in the world where gigantic sequoias and coastal redwoods grow naturally is the Pacific Coast of the United States? When visiting the Golden State, it is important to see these natural treasures. Visit the Sierra Nevada mountain range to witness huge sequoias. One such location is Sequoia National Park, home to General Sherman, the tallest tree in the world by volume.
Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, or Humboldt Redwoods State Park are excellent places to witness massive redwoods (don’t miss the Shrine Drive Thru Tree). These parks are all located in California’s northwest.
4. Enjoy a Lake Vacation at Lake Tahoe
If you’re the kind of person who prefers a holiday beside a lake, then Lake Tahoe is the best lake in California. Lake Tahoe, which is located in Northern California, is so large that it overflows into neighboring Nevada.
Renowned for its breathtakingly clear blue waters and stunning mountainous surroundings, this alpine lake destination offers some of the greatest skiing in the nation.
Take a spin down the slopes at Northstar California Resort and Heavenly Ski Resort if you’re coming in the winter. In the summer months, enjoy the sun by taking a swim at Kings Beach State Recreation Area.
5. Experience an Abundance of Wildflowers
The best seasons to witness an abundance of wildflowers, including the state flower, are spring and summer. The vivid orange tint of the California poppy has been known to cover hills and valleys, depending on the location. The amount and location of the bloom depend on the seasonal rainfall that occurs that year. Southern California is home to some of the greatest wildflower viewing locations.
Some of the most well-known places to see beautiful blooms include Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Point Mugu State Park, Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, and Chino Hills State Park.
6. Explore the Shorelines of Santa Barbara
With its stunning location tucked between the ocean and the mountains, Santa Barbara offers lots of beach and hiking options for guests. Leadbetter Beach, Summerland Beach, and Arroyo Burro Beach are must-see beaches.
Santa Barbara has a genuine getaway vibe thanks to its seductive Spanish and Mediterranean architecture.
Explore the unique Ganna Walska Lotusland, State Street’s dining and shopping options, and the Funk Zone’s wine tasting and art exhibits.
7. Surf at Huntington Beach
Learning to surf is one of the most typical Californian activities you can do while visiting California. Although there are many spots around the shore where beginners can surf, they shouldn’t go anywhere: The greatest beaches for first-time surfers have quiet waves and experienced lifeguards and Huntington Beach is just that.
Also, known as Surf City USA, it’s the ideal place for various surf schools where you can learn surfing.
8. Explore the National Forests
Did you know that out of all the states in the US, California has the most national forests? California boasts around 17 national forests in addition to its well-known national parks. If you are taking a vacation in the southern portion of the state, you might choose to visit the national forests in Cleveland, Angeles, San Bernardino, or Los Padres.
These tourist places are close to popular tourist destinations including Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
9. Trekking Along the Lost Coast
Adventurers seeking to explore California’s unspoiled terrain might think about hiking the unique Lost Coast. The Lost Coast is an undeveloped section of shoreline in Northern California, less than 40 miles south of Eureka.
The Lost Coast is accessible via a 25-mile hiking track and lacks major highways. This hike is best suited for experienced backpackers only, as the trail takes two to four days to complete (one way).
10. Visit the Griffith Observatory
Perched atop Mount Hollywood’s southern slope, Griffith Observatory provides a panoramic view of the Los Angeles region. It offers breathtaking views of the surroundings for tourists.
However, this isn’t simply a lovely picture opportunity: The observatory has an excellent planetarium and interesting exhibitions. You can use the public telescopes for free as well, although the planetarium performances cost money.
11. Hike to the Legendary Hollywood Sign
Situated atop Mount Lee in Griffith Park is the famous Hollywood Sign. Several hiking paths go to this famous landmark, which offers visitors panoramic views of Los Angeles. When the sign was first constructed in 1923, it said “Hollywoodland,” the name of a real estate development.
In 1949, the final four letters were taken off. The faded sign was eventually restored in 1978 after years of abandonment, and it has since come to represent the gloss and glamour of the film business globally.
12. Unwind at the Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a great choice if you’re seeking a place to relax. There are many outdoor activities, pleasant weather, and a stunning setting offered by the Sonoran Desert.
You can treat yourself to a lavish spa treatment or spend the day drinking cocktails by the pool. Other attractions for those looking for an active holiday include miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, and golf courses.
13. Witness Marine Life at Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is situated on the coast of central California, attracts around two million people each year. More than 200 top-notch exhibits that showcase the local marine ecosystems as well as deep-ocean flora and fauna are great tourist attractions.
Visitors can see colorful jellyfish, observe playful sea otters, and take in views of a 28-foot-tall kelp forest.
The aquarium has several projects to safeguard the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. Among its initiatives are lowering ocean plastic waste, encouraging the consumption of sustainably farmed seafood, and aiding in the recovery of sea otter populations.
Check also: Places to Visit in California
14. Experience the Scenic 17 Mile Drive
The 17-mile Drive in California winds along the most picturesque section of the Monterey Bay shoreline, creating an enthralling and breathtaking experience.
This must-see route winds through the upscale neighborhood of Pebble Beach, up into the Del Monte Forest, past opulent residences, and down along bluffs and picture-perfect rocky beaches. Spend some time stopping at the numerous viewing spots along the route, such as the well-known Lone Cypress.
15. Visit the Theme Parks
In California, you have an abundance of options when it comes to theme parks. There are an astounding number of options to suit all kinds of travelers. Naturally, children will be enthralled with the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. But if you can’t afford Disneyland’s expensive ticket prices, think of fun substitutes like Legoland California.
For those seeking excitement, Six Flags amusement and water parks are conveniently located close to both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additionally, Universal Studios Hollywood is home to the well-liked Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
Final Thoughts
From touring breathtaking national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia to experiencing dynamic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, California provides an amazing array of activities. Travelers can unwind on gorgeous beaches, take leisurely strolls along the Pacific Coast Highway, and visit well-known wine districts like Napa Valley.
Read also: Things to do in Pacific Beach, California
Adventurers can trek across stunning scenery, and history buffs can visit historic buildings and museums. California is a must-visit destination because of its varied food scene and well-known landmarks like Disneyland and Hollywood.
Tourists can visit national parks, explore cities, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, and enjoy beaches and wineries.
Yosemite National Park, Disneyland, Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, and Napa Valley.
You can easily rent a car which is a popular option, but public transit options are available which include buses, trains, and rideshares.
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Fairmont San Francisco, and Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur are top choices.
Yosemite’s Half Dome, Mount Whitney, and trails in Joshua Tree and Big Sur are some of the best hiking spots in California.
