Looking for places to visit in California? Discover what you can do in California – We found 15 best tourist attractions and things to do.
California is one of the most famous states in the US.
In California, tourists can see a varied and beautiful landscape that includes mountains, valleys and waterfalls, but also famous cities and neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills.
There are many tourist attractions in California. Visitors can also ride a cable car, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, sway in the wind on the Golden Gate Bridge, or just enjoy the view from one of San Francisco’s 43 hills.
Here are the 15 places to visit in California that you should not miss.
Best Things to Do in California
San Diego
Along the coast of the Pacific Ocean is the vibrant and gorgeous city of San Diego.
More than 35 million people visit San Diego each year, and they all go for something different. Places to stay in the area
Named after a Spanish saint, San Diego was first colonized by the Spaniards in 1542 and declared as part of the Mexican Empire in 1821.
If you love tacos, tortillas, beaches, and a blend of various cultural identities, San Diego should be your next travel destination.
You will find amusement parks and grandeur shopping malls, as well as historical sites, museums. and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
San Francisco Zoo
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California, because it offers a variety of animals from different parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and South America. Places to stay in the area
The San Francisco Zoo is an urban oasis home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals.
Covering 100 acres of land, the Zoo offers visitors the chance to get up close to some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures on the planet.
Hollywood
Hollywood is not only one of the most famous neighborhood in Los Angeles, but also in the United States.
It is a place closely linked to the world of cinema (and it could not be otherwise) where the main attractions are concentrated. Places to stay in the area
This magical place has so much to offer you and your travel buddies, such as stunning museums, captivating live shows, magnificent zoos, gorgeous outdoor attractions, bustling amusement centers, and countless more.
That includes the stars on the Walk of Fame, the handprints and footprints at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and strolling around Hollywood and Highland.
You can also see the famed Dolby Theatre, formerly known as the Kodak Theatre, and the popular Hollywood & Highland shopping complex.
Big Sur
One of the most unforgettable stretches of coastline in the world, Big Sur is definitely a place you must visit in California. Places to stay in the area
Big Sur is a majestic stretch of land located off the famous Pacific Coast Highway that offers unmatched scenic beauty and an eclectic vibe you can’t find anywhere else.
Big Sur is home to breathtaking cliffs, beaches, and seemingly endless trails that snake their way through verdant landscapes, and plenty of hairpin turns that will wrack even the most confident driver’s nerves.
Stop at parks along the coastline and look up to see endangered California condors, North America’s largest birds.
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay is one of the most amazing areas to visit around South Lake Tahoe in California. Places to stay in the area
Emerald bay is a beautiful oasis of shimmering greens and turquoises amidst the deep Blue Mountains that serve as a beautiful backdrop.
You can also visit the popular Fannette Island that is located right in the heart of the emerald bay and is regarded as “the most photographed place on earth”.
Yosemite National Park
The park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most beautiful areas to receive protection from future development. Places to stay in the area
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it boasts a wide range of attractions.
Every inch of this place is bursting with natural beauty in the form of incredible granite formations, elating waterfalls, streams, and massive giant sequoias.
Yosemite falls itself is the fifth highest waterfall in the world and from top to bottom it is 2,425 feet.
The abundance of beautiful attractions in Yosemite can leave you completely overwhelmed.
Joshua Tree National Park
One of the most beautiful places in California is Joshua Tree National Park. Places to stay in the area
Joshua Tree offers visitors everything from tranquil desert sunsets and hiking trails to saloon dining and horseback riding.
Joshua Tree National Park sits about an hour north of Palm Springs. The scenic drive through the rugged landscape is a great way to get a lay of the land.
Palm Spring
Palm Springs is a resort area located in the Coachella Valley, part of the Sonoran Desert ecoregion. Places to stay in the area
This place has a lot to offer with literally hundreds of cultural attractions, including Tempo Village, Palm Canyon Golf Club and Museum, and The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens.
Over one million tourists visit the city each year to explore its beautiful attractions and enjoy its great weather, characteristic of sunshine all year round.
It is renowned as the Golf Capital of the World, but what really makes the city a famous tourist destination is its picturesque mountainous landscape and desert climate.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a popular place to visit in California and is one of the most famous cities in America. Places to stay in the area
Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge, are the two most well known tourist attractions in San Francisco, but it also has an array of museums, fascinating Victorian architecture and wonderful waterfront areas to explore.
The city shot to fame in 1849 as the home of the Californian Gold Rush which at the time made it the largest city on the West Coast.
Hearst Castle
It is one of the most visited monuments in California and among the top ten largest private homes in America.
Hearst Castle was originally owned by William Randolph Hearst, who gave 24 different tours to visitors through his castle. Places to stay in the area
Hearst’s collection of antiquities is truly a fascinating sight to behold, and if you visit, you’ll be able to marvel at artifacts from a variety of cultures.
Catalina Island
Purchased in 1919 by William Wrigley Jr. the purpose of Santa Catalina Island was a means to create a unique travel destination for all. Places to stay in the area
The island is about 35 miles long and about 6 miles wide. It is located near Los Angeles, so it provides a contrast between urban and natural areas.
This place is perfect for all types of visitors with varying interests who desire to see a different type of environment during their time in California.
You can explore the scenic town of Two Harbors, visit the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, stop by the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon, and learn about the history of the area at the Catalina Island Museum.
Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast Highway should be on your list of places to visit in California, because is one of the most beautiful Highway there is.
The scenery you see along the way through this Star Memorial Highway is nothing short of remarkable.
The route is a designated blue Star Memorial Highway as a way of recognition to those that serve in the U.S. armed forces.
Visit Bishop
Bishop is a small town that can be a place to visit in California for those who love the outdoors. Places to stay in the area
It is also a popular spot for rock climbers around the world, offering several internationally-renowned volcanic tuff and granite climbing spots.
Alcatraz Island
Located just off the shore of San Francisco, the island holds the infamous Alcatraz military prison, federal prison, and fortification. Places to stay in the area
Almost every person visiting San Francisco for the first time has Alcatraz on their list of things to do.
Opened in 1934, Alcatraz was designed to house the most notorious criminals in America. Now you can explore the island on a guided tour.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most populous cities in the United States and is definitely a must-see if you’re visiting California. Places to stay in the area
The city is also home to some great tourist attractions, like Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, and Griffith Observatory.
Other popular things to do in LA include embarking on hiking trails like Runyon Canyon Park. Or you can simply walk through the famous neighborhoods such as Bel Air, Hollywood or Beverly Hills.