California is a state bursting with diversity, offering everything from stunning coastlines and majestic mountains to vibrant cities and charming small towns. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, California has something incredible waiting for you.
We’ve rounded up 23 must-see attractions and activities that showcase the best of the Golden State. This list is perfect for planning your next trip or discovering hidden gems close to home. Get ready to explore and experience the unforgettable.
1. Big Sur Road Trip
One of the best road trip destinations in the world, the rugged coastline of Big Sur has it all, from stunning coastal views to picturesque redwood forests and tranquil beaches prime for exploration and hiking. If you’re planning a visit, April to November is ideal weather and crowd-wise.
2. Burney Falls
The captivating Burney Falls is situated within Shasta County’s McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Often included in lists of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, this 129-foot waterfall is one of the top things to see in California. Visit from April to October when the falls are at their most intense.
3. Glass Beach
The north of the Golden State is no stranger to unique places to see in California before you die. One of these is the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. A memorable part of the craggy coastline, the beach is covered in rainbow-colored pieces of sea glass. The result of decades of pollution — today, it’s a feast for the eyes.
4. Devil’s Slide
What was once a dangerous road that was closed is now an iconic biking and walking trail along the Pacific Coast Highway. Outside Half Moon Bay is the stretch of road known as the Devil’s Slide. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful bike trails in the world; it’s both stunning and exciting.
5. Explore Yosemite National Park
Although we’ve mentioned some Yosemite highlights, the entire park is more than deserving of being on your California bucket list. The park includes majestic waterfalls, stunning valleys, and many hiking possibilities. One of the best ways to experience the best of the park is a day trip from San Francisco.
6. Mammoth Lakes
Second to none when it comes to amazing things to do in California is a trip to Mammoth Lakes. This charming ski town in the eastern region of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. If you love to ski, head to Mammoth Mountain during winter, or if you’re looking for tranquility, dip into one of the several natural hot springs around town.
7. Devil’s Postpile
Considered a geological wonder, the Devil’s Postpile is said to be over 100,000 years old, and some of its 60-foot tall basalt columns are even older still. Grab your camera because this is Instagram-worthy.
8. Lassen Volcanic National Park
For one of the best-kept secrets in California, head to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Volcanoes surround the park within a still-active seismic area. Here you can feast your eyes on a few unique natural features, including bubbling mud pits and sulfur vents.
9. Point Reyes Lighthouse
The highlight of the Point Reyes National Seashore, the Point Reyes Lighthouse, provides some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find. You’ll have to tackle the Tomales Point Trail to reach the lighthouse, but the reward is worth the effort.
10. The Cypress Tree Tunnel
Conveniently enough, the majestic Cypress Tree Tunnel is a 20-minute drive from Point Reyes. Fit for any buzzworthy Instagram feed, photos of this iconic landmark are everywhere. Walking amongst the covering of the Cyprus grove is a magical experience.
11. Hike Fern Canyon
Amongst the many hiking trails of California, Fern Canyon stands out as one of the best things to do in Northern California if your feet are itching. Appearing almost out of place, the lush landscapes and streams are so stunning the canyon was used in the filming of Jurassic Park.
12. Fannette Island Kayaking
The amazing Lake Tahoe region brims with star attractions that could quickly fill any bucket list for California. One of its gems is the tiny Fannette Island which sits inside Emerald Bay. Kayaking across its pristine waters is as serene as you could get.
13. Wine Tasting in Sonoma & Napa
You can’t plan an adventure in California without indulging in some of (if not the best) wines in the world. The Northern California vineyards of Sonoma and Napa are world-renowned wine regions sitting beside each other. Or better yet, do both in a California winery tour covering the best wineries.
14. Climb Mt Whitney
The official highest point of elevation in the lower 48 states of the US, Mount Whitney, reaches an imposing height of 14,000 feet. Its summit has been an inviting challenge to many looking for adventure in California. It’s a strenuous hike even for expert hikers, but it’s undoubtedly a bucket list item.
15. Oldest Tree in the World
You’ll find the Ancient Bristlecone Forest just outside of Big Pine. What makes this spot so unique as an unmissable thing to see in California? Well, here stands the oldest living tree in the world, amongst a valley of mangled pine trees. It’s a sight unlike anything else and a photography paradise for nature lovers.
16. Camping on Angel Island
Angel Island, off the San Francisco Bay, is a must-visit for those who yearn for the outdoors. The hikes to campsites and the sites themselves provide unparalleled views of the city’s skyline, with the serenity of the forest as a perfect backdrop.
17. Golden Gate Bridge
Easily equal to the Hollywood Sign when it comes to artificial attractions, visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is one of those things you must do in California. Whether you decide to walk across it or indulge in a captivating sunset over it from a distance, it’s a surefire hit. Catch the setting sun from either Moore Pier or Battery Point.
18. San Jose Municipal Rose Gardens
If you’re a nature lover, heading out to San Jose should be on your list of things to do in California. Here you’ll find the San Jose Municipal Rose Gardens, where a staggering 200 varieties of roses await. With blooms occurring throughout the year, visit during May for a super bloom.
19. Santa Cruz Boardwalk
An iconic part of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park, the Giant Dipper is one of the world’s oldest wooden coasters. It’s also one of the world’s most popular, and hurtling along its twists and turns at 55 miles per hour is one of the coolest things to do in California.
20. Whale Watching in Monterey Bay
The Monterey Peninsula is famous for its legendary outdoor attractions and beautiful beaches. But one of the best things to do is visit Monterey Bay and go whale watching. With sightings possible year-round thanks to the deep submarine canyon in the bay, booking a whale-watching tour needs to be on your next trip itinerary.
21. Winchester Mystery House
A stunning Victorian-style mansion that used to be the personal residence of Sarah Winchester is today a popular attraction for those keen on ghost stories. Some come for its architecture, while others take a Winchester Mystery House tour to spot a ghost or two.
22. Hearst Castle
One of the most spectacular mansions in the world, Hearst Castle overlooks the Pacific Ocean and attracts more than 750,000 visitors a year. This historic mansion was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and an impressive collection of art and antiques. Visit the castle to see its impressive interiors and exteriors, and you might even spot a roaming zebra from the on-site zoo.
23. Island Hop the Channel Islands
One of the least visited national parks in the US, the Channel Islands, offers extraordinary encounters with unique fauna and flora. These islands are breathtaking places to hike, kayak, and for wildlife spotting. The Channel Islands consist of five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa.
24. Visit California Missions
Along the coastline of California, you’ll find 21 Spanish Missions, and they offer fantastic insights into Californian life hundreds of years ago. They hold some of the oldest buildings in the state, and the most famous, The Santa Barbara Mission, boasts the best-kept architecture of them all.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.