20 Best Places to Visit in California
Located along the West Coast of America and home to eight of the most populated cities in the country, California is a state with diverse geography and many places of interest. From the natural beauty of the landscape to the man-made attractions found around every turn, California thrives on tourism. Experiencing everything that this state has to offer can take a long time, but here are 20 of the best places to visit.
20. Catalina Island
For beautiful weather, breathtaking scenery and plenty of activities a trip to Catalina Island comes highly recommended. Check out the shipwrecks and reefs around the island via glass bottom boats or go for a scuba dive in the clear waters. For indoor activities, visit the Catalina Island museum where thousands of items and photographs of the islands rich history can be viewed.
19. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country and with attractions like Glacier Point, Yosemite falls and the Half Dome it is no surprise. There are abundant opportunities for outdoor activities like biking, hiking and rafting while enjoying the great scenery. For a truly unique experience, try out the full-moon bike rides offered by the park.
18. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe not only offers plenty of beautiful scenery, but plenty of diverse activities as well. Hikers will love the Sierra Nevada Mountain trails, while snowboarders can head to the slopes of Squaw Valley. For a more sedate experience ride the Heavenly Gondola or soak up some sun at Kings Beach. Golf courses and casinos can also be found in the area surrounding the lake.
17. Golden Gate Bridge
Connecting San Francisco to the northern counties of California, the Golden Gate Bridge is quite an impressive feat of engineering. It features 746-foot tall towers and an Art Deco styling that makes it a popular tourist hotspot. It’s not just a great location for taking photos, but can be traversed on foot or by bicycle before visiting the on-site center for more information about the history of the bridge.
16. Channel Islands National Park
For a glimpse of how California looked before becoming the bustling state that it is now, visit the Channel Islands National Park. It is home to rare flora and fauna, which can be enjoyed from the numerous hiking trails. You will find that the islands are untarnished by modern development and also offer some of the best diving destinations in the world. Camping and backpacking and kayaking through the Sea Caves are some of the other highlights of this popular destination.
15. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is not just a working movie studio, but also a theme park. Take part in iconic studio tours, experience the thrills of movie themed rides and marvel at stunt shows. After all the excitement there are also plenty of stores, nightclubs, outdoor entertainment and dining options to unwind with.
14. Redwood National Park
The biggest reason to visit Redwood National Park is to witness some of the tallest trees in the world, but this destination has much more to offer as well. The park is home to plenty of rare wildlife and hiking the Fern Canyon Trail with its giant ferns is like stepping back in history. Many of the hiking trails in the park also lead to the Coastal Trail with its stunning ocean views.
13. Disneyland
Disneyland in California offers the same experience that can be found in Disney World, but without the crowds. The park consists of numerous themed areas, each with their own fantastic rides and scenery. It is also a family friendly destination with plenty to do for both young and old.
12. San Diego Zoo
11. Vasquez Rocks
Everything from commercials and television shows to movies have used Vasquez Rocks as a location, because of the interesting landscape. The unique rock formations in the area are the result of rapid erosion and the effects of the San Andreas Fault. Even if you are not a movie buff, the hiking trails and beautiful photo opportunities found in the area make it worth the trip.
10. Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most well-known locations in the area and features plenty of attractions. You can take a guided tour of the Boulevard or set out on your own to view the numerous theaters and museums in the area. Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the hand- and footprints in the Graman’s Chinese Theatre forecourt or Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
09. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
08. Legoland
You don’t have to be a Lego fan to enjoy Legoland, but it certainly helps. The colorful bricks are definitely a big draw, but you’ll also find a water park and aquarium. The resort features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, so set aside a full day to experience everything it has to offer.
07. La Jolla
The La Jolla coastline is long and varied, offering plenty of scenic spots. You are not restricted to watching either as kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding and scuba diving are all popular local pastimes. Out of the water, there are plenty of golf courses to frequent as well as upscale boutiques and cafes in La Jolla Village.
06. Seaworld
SeaWorld San Diego is not just an oceanarium and outside aquarium, but also a marine mammal park and animal theme park with plenty of attractions. It features numerous animal habitats, rides, shows and play areas. With incredible live shows and the opportunity to up close to the marine life, SeaWorld San Diego offers plenty of family oriented fun.
05. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is the place to go for anyone looking to soak up the sunlight and experience the quirky local culture. Watch the graffiti art featured on the Venice Art Walls along the beach and check out the art studios as well as independent designers found in the area. It is a great place for those who like to keep active as well with easy access to miles of beaches, outdoor basketball courts and paddle tennis courts. If the hustle and bustle of the famous Boardwalk becomes too much, there are also the tranquil Venice Canals to explore.
04. Alcatraz
The former prison, known famously
as “The Rock”, is now a popular tourist stop for anyone heading towards San Francisco. Catch a short ferry ride from Pier 33 to check out where notorious criminals such as Mickey Cohen and Al Capone were incarcerated. The tours offer a fascinating glimpse into what inside this prison facility was like and in addition to taking the cellhouse audio tour the historic exhibits on the rest of the island is also worth a look.
03. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is known for its
views, but a trip to this area also guarantees access to great wines and fabulous foods. After all, the area is widely considered to be one of the premier wine regions not only in the United States, but in the world. Although a visit to all the wineries are a must, there is more to do in the area. There are seasonal guided tours for hiking as well as plenty of bicycle routes, while anyone who feels like a bit of pampering should visit the natural hot springs at the northern end of the valley.
02. Big Sur
To view some of the most breathtaking views in the United States take a trip along Highway 1 through Big Sur. There are numerous vista points placed along the road to stop, stretch your legs and snap photos of the beautiful landscape. There is plenty of sightseeing to be done in the area without ever leaving the highway, but outdoor enthusiasts can also go mountain climbing or hiking in the area. There are nine state parks in the area and plenty of interesting spots, such as McWay Falls, Jade Cove, Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Sur Lighthouse.
01. Death Valley
It is one of the driest, lowest and hottest areas of North America, but there are still a couple of compelling reasons to visit Death Valley in Eastern California. Go for a scenic drive or take in the fabulous panoramas found in the Furnace Creek area. In the Stovepipe Wells area there is a ghost town to explore as well as Indian petroglyphs while Golden Canyon Trail, Badwater Salt Flats and Natural Bridge Canyon are all great hiking spots. Despite the name, Death Valley is not a lifeless wasteland, but actually home to thousands of plant species as well as plenty of mammals, birds and reptiles.
