Home to pet-friendly hotels, a thriving foodie scene and natural beauty, California is a bucket-list destination for millions of travelers around the world. The state offers something for every type of traveler, whether you prefer challenging hikes, relaxing days on the beach or an enchanting stroll through redwood forests.
With so much to see and do, you may not know where to start when planning your trip. In this California travel guide, we'll explore the best places to see, what to do, itineraries and more.
Where to Go in California: Beaches, Mountains, Forests and More
Tourists visit California for many different reasons, but its natural beauty often tops the list. Whether you're planning a birthday getaway, a honeymoon or an annual vacation, California has so much to offer.
Here's where to go:
Malibu
Chasing the archetypal California beach experience? Head to Malibu. Golden sand. Consistent surf breaks. Laid-back lifestyle. Malibu has it all.
Check out Zuma Beach for wide open sands that are great for picnics.
Santa Monica
Situated at the heart of Los Angeles County, Santa Monica is among the most visited stretches of coast in the world. Here, you'll find a blend of beach culture and lively energy.
Laguna Beach is just south in Orange County, which offers a thriving arts scene.
San Francisco
Perched between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific, San Francisco is home to world-class restaurants and iconic sites. Whether you're planning a solo trip or a San Francisco honeymoon, there's no shortage of things to do.
The Golden Gate Bridge is an obvious starting point. But don't miss the Golden Gate Park, home to the de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden and miles of trails.
Take a cable car ride up Nob Hill and walk along the Embarcadero waterfront. There are plenty of day trips you can take from here to make your trip even more memorable.
San Diego
With its 70 miles of beaches and reliably perfect weather, San Diego offers a vibrant food and arts scene.
If you're planning a San Diego honeymoon, be sure to add Pacific Beach and Mission Beach to your must-see list. Don't miss La Jolla Cove, where sea lions laze on the rocks.
Napa and Sonoma Counties
With its rolling vineyards and farm-to-table dining, Napa and Sonoma counties give you opportunities for slow travel.
Check out the redwood forests or the beachside towns like Bodega Bay.
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Things to Do in California
1. Joshua Tree National Park
The Mojave and Sonoran Deserts converge here, creating a unique landscape. The park's namesake trees give it an otherworldly feel.
This park is also home to one of the state's premier stargazing destinations.
2. Point Reyes National Seashore
North of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore offers a rugged coastline with colder waters and hiking trails that bring you to lighthouse viewpoints that have wonderful views of the bluffs.
3. Yosemite National Park
One of the most iconic destinations in the state. El Capitan and Half Dome are some of the most photographed sites in the nation.
Want to venture beyond the crowds? Head to the Hetch Hetchy Valley or Tuolumne Meadows.
4. Lake Tahoe
In winter, Lake Tahoe is a skier's paradise. It straddles the Nevada border and stands over 6,000 feet tall in elevation.
Enjoy world-class ski resorts in the winter and crystalline waters in the summer.
5. Redwood National and State Parks
Along the northern California coast, these parks preserve the world's tallest trees. The coastal redwoods thrive in the marine fog that rolls through.
The Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile scenic byway through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
6. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These parks protect the most massive trees by volume to ever grow on the planet. See the General Sherman Tree, which towers 275 feet tall and is over 2,000 years old.
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California 7 Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Los Angeles: Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and watch the sunset at Griffith Observatory. Day two, spend the morning at Santa Monica Beach and pier. Explore Venice Boardwalk in the afternoon.
Day 3-4 San Diego: Drive south to explore the Gaslamp Quarter and get lunch in Little Italy. Spend the afternoon in La Jolla Cove. Day four, head to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Check out the Pacific Beach boardwalk in the afternoon.
Day 5 Joshua Tree: Hike among the Joshua trees, explore Skull Rock and watch the desert sunset.
Day 6 Palm Springs: Enjoy the mid-century architecture in Palm Springs.
Day 7 LA: Take a scenic drive back to LA for last-minute shopping.
California 14 Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 San Francisco: Walk the Embarcadero and cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Day two, ride the cable cars and see the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square.
Day 3 Marin and Wine Country: Spend the morning in Muir Woods among the redwoods. Drive to Sonoma in the afternoon for a wine tasting and farm-to-table dinner.
Day 4 Bodega Bay to Santa Cruz: Take one of the world's greatest coastal drives.
Day 5 Big Sur: While you're still on Highway 1, stop at Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach. Spend the night in Big Sur.
Day 6 Carmel & Monterey: Spend the morning in the storybook town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the afternoon.
Day 7 Central Coast: Explore the wine region of Paso Robles and take a scenic drive to Santa Barbara.
Day 8 Santa Barbara: The "American Riviera." Check out State Street, East Beach and the old Mission.
Days 9-11 Los Angeles: Explore the sites: Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Koreatown, West Hollywood and more. LA is home to some of the best beaches in California, so don't skimp out here.
Day 12 Joshua Tree: Get an early start to the park for a full day of hiking.
Day 13 Palm Springs: Spend a leisurely morning in Palm Springs before heading south to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Day 14 San Diego: Head to La Jolla Cove and Balboa Park before ending your trip.
When is the Best Time to Visit California?
The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit California.
- Fall (September through November)
- Spring (March through May)
During these months, the weather is most comfortable and there are fewer crowds.
But don't be constrained by these months. Any time of year is a great time to visit California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit California?
The shoulder seasons, fall (September through November) and spring (March through May), are the best times to visit California, offering comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds than the summer peak. Summer is ideal for the northern parks and coast but draws the biggest crowds, while winter brings ski season to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. Thanks to the state's mild climate, any time of year is a good time to visit.
How many days do you need in California?
Seven days is enough to explore one region in depth, such as Southern California or the San Francisco Bay Area, while 14 days lets you combine the coast, wine country, and national parks into a single trip. If you only have a long weekend, focus on one city and its nearby attractions, like Los Angeles and the beaches or San Francisco and Marin. The more driving you plan, the more days you'll want to avoid rushing.
What is the best way to get around California?
A rental car is the best way to get around California, giving you the freedom to reach national parks, coastal towns, and scenic drives on your own schedule. Major international airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego make it easy to fly between regions on longer itineraries. Within cities, public transit like BART in the Bay Area and the Metro in Los Angeles can help you skip parking and traffic.
What are the must-see places in California?
California's must-see places include Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and the redwood parks for natural beauty, plus the beaches of Malibu, Santa Monica, and San Diego. The cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles offer world-class food, museums, and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Griffith Observatory. For slower travel, the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma counties are hard to beat.
Is California expensive to visit?
California can be expensive, but the cost varies widely by region and travel style, with mid-range trips averaging roughly $200 to $350 per day. You can keep spending down by visiting in the shoulder seasons, enjoying free beaches and scenic drives, and using the National Park Service free-entrance days. Many of the state's best experiences cost nothing at all.
What is the best California road trip?
Driving Highway 1 along the Pacific coast is the classic California road trip, linking San Francisco, Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara with some of the state's most scenic stretches. The full route can be done in a few days or stretched into a two-week adventure with stops in wine country and the national parks. Check road conditions before you go, as sections of Highway 1 occasionally close for repairs.