California: 20 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

California is a state brimming with diverse experiences, making it one of the top travel destinations in the U.S. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a beach lover, California offers something for everyone. From the rugged coastline to the mountain ranges, and vibrant cities to serene national parks, the Golden State is packed with iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

As a seasoned traveler who has explored California from top to bottom, I can confidently say that the state’s offerings are endless. The beaches of Southern California, like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, are famous worldwide for their stunning views and laid-back atmosphere. For a more rugged coastal adventure, head to Big Sur, where cliffs meet the Pacific in dramatic fashion.

But it’s not just about beaches. The towering redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument and the breathtaking Yosemite National Park provide unrivaled experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. For those looking for a taste of California’s rich culture, a visit to San Francisco or Los Angeles is essential, where you can explore world-class museums, art galleries, and renowned restaurants.

In this guide, I'll share some of the best things to do in California, offering you a mix of famous attractions and local secrets that will help you make the most of your time in this remarkable state.

Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in California

1. San Francisco

If we had to choose just one city, there's no doubt: San Francisco would be our choice (and probably that of many others).

It's such a unique place that it leaves no one indifferent. Apart from New York , for us it's the most beautiful and characterful city in the whole of the United States. There are loads of things to see and do here , and it's a good base for getting to know the north of the state, but just crossing the Golden Gate makes it worth coming!

And what about the visit to Alcatraz ? Or how beautiful the nearby town of Sausalito is? And the Mission or Haight Ashbury neighbourhoods? Wow: San Francisco is a-w-a-n-g.

2. Los Angeles

On the other hand, Los Angeles left us quite cold: endless car journeys, huge highways, somewhat strange people… Even so, it seems to us an essential stop on a route through California because it is a unique corner of the planet.

Being able to see the Hollywood sign, step on the Walk of Fame, take a ride through Beverly Hills, tour Santa Monica and Venice Beach by bike, watch the sunset from the Griffith Observatory… are just 4 of the many activities that await you in LA . Uhhh and Universal Studios ! In the end, it turns out that we like Los Angeles and everything.

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3. Tour Big Sur, a must-do in California

Did you know that California has one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the United States?

If you like road trips, make sure to write down this name: Big Sur . We were only able to drive along part of it, as it was partially closed due to landslides. Even so, what we saw was incredible and we hope to return soon to drive the whole thing. The most beautiful part is the one that goes from Morro Bay to Monterrey. Here we tell you about the essentials of Big Sur.

4. San Diego

Another Californian city that everyone knows is San Diego . Just a stone's throw from Tijuana and with a lot of Mexican influence (oh, that delicious food!), San Diego is a perfect getaway for a couple of days and, what's more, the road that connects it to Los Angeles is super pretty! (good reason to take a mini-road trip). This was our stop in San Diego.

5. Salvation Mountain

Not far from San Diego (in American terms, of course) is Salvation Mountain , one of the most curious places in California, which became popular thanks to the movie “Into the Wild”.

In the middle of nowhere stands this kind of little mountain full of paintings and religious and faith messages, which its owner, Leonard Knight , has been placing over the years and which even appears in the movie. This was our trip by car passing by Salvation Mountain .

6. Try a burger from Inn & Out

Ok, so it may not be one of the most amazing places to visit in California, and it may not leave you speechless, but it will leave you mouth-filled: we're talking about Inn & Out , a burger chain that has become a symbol of this state. You don't really know California if you haven't had a burger from Inn & Out.

Don't think that in the US they only eat junk food: it's undeniable that they really like hamburgers and hot dogs, but they also eat delicious and (more or less) healthy things... and in this post we talk about 20 typical dishes from the United States.

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7. Yosemite National Park

With our bellies full, now it's time to fill our lungs with fresh air and our eyes with brutal landscapes.

And for that, we're off to Yosemite National Park , where impossible waterfalls, gigantic rocks, lakes, walks through forests and some curious inhabitants await us: bears! If you had to choose just one park to visit on your trip, we recommend this one: Yosemite is one of the most amazing places in the United States and, without a doubt, one of the best things to see and do in California. Here we tell you about our day in Yosemite.

8. Sequoia and Kings Canyon

But if you're lucky and can include other parks in your itinerary, there are two other parks close to the one mentioned above that are well worth a visit.

We're talking about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks , where you'll have the chance to see the largest trees on the planet: the Giant Sequoias. They're impressive, and when you walk under them you'll feel like a Smurf lost in a wooden Manhattan. Here we tell you how to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks.

9. Disneyland

If one of your dreams is to visit Disneyland Park , you can make your dream come true in California, no less than in the first park opened by Walt Disney himself, back in 1955.

The complex was later expanded and now houses two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park . It is one of the best excursions from Los Angeles.

10. Take a little bit of Route 66

Did you know that the Mother Road, Route 66 , ends in Santa Monica ?

The last stretch of this legendary highway leaves Arizona behind to cross the state of California, and if you fancy driving along it, even if it's just for a few miles, we encourage you to do so.

You can reach the pretty town of Barstow and on the way stop in San Bernardino where you'll find the Wigwam Motel , with its curious teepee- shaped rooms , and the Bottle Tree Ranch. We enjoyed this trip in a huge caravan and it was one of the best experiences we had.

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11. Mendocino, one of the most beautiful towns to see in California

California is not only dotted with huge cities, but you can also find small and pretty towns where you can spend a few relaxing days. Our suggestion is Mendocino , a tiny and charming town on the shores of the Pacific where you can watch a fairytale sunset, enjoy walks along the cliffs in search of sea lions or where you can toast with a glass of Californian wine in one of the few cute restaurants in town. Here we tell you more about our visit to Mendocino .

12. Napa and Sonora Valleys

But when it comes to wine glasses… the kings are the Napa and Sonora Valleys ! If you like wine tasting, vineyards and the tranquility of rural landscapes, don’t hesitate to take a trip to this interesting area of California. You can rent a car and go on your own, or sign up for one of the many day trips from San Francisco (and not have to worry about driving).

13. Surfing

Surf ! California is synonymous with waves and surfers, and whether you're a pro or a complete novice, there are beaches for all tastes and plenty of schools where you can learn (or improve) your surfing skills. Plus, saying you've surfed in Malibu or Venice Beach sounds pretty cool, right? Go for the waves!

14. Lake Tahoe

One of the places we had to skip due to time on our road trip through Oregon and Northern California (and that we were dying to see) is Lake Tahoe . Even in the photo it looks divine: crystal-clear blue waters and pure nature. In person it must be even more impressive. We will go, it's a promise to ourselves XD.

15. Death Valley

Where we did go (and we were blown away) was Death Valley . It's true that the name doesn't sound very good (marketing issues), but beyond the infernal heat (it's the hottest place in the United States and we were at over 53 degrees!) you'll enjoy unique landscapes that seem to come from another planet. There are salt flats, sand dunes, the Badwater Basin which is nothing more and nothing less than the lowest point in the northern hemisphere (86m above sea level) and much more. Here we tell you more information to plan your visit to Death Valley .

16. Monterrey and its whales

Animal lovers will have another reason to travel to the Pacific Coast: Whales ! All year round, you can see blue, humpback, and gray whales (and even orcas) in Monterey Bay . We were lucky in June and saw a few blue whales 🙂 It was amazing to see these animals, which often seemed to be playing among the surfers. Here you will find the best things to see and do in Monterey.

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17. Pacific Coast Trail

We set foot on solid ground again to venture into one of the most enriching life experiences there is: the Pacific Coast Trail . It is a hiking route that crosses California, Oregon and Washington State in its more than 4,000 km. It is one of the most beautiful trails in the world, which passes through landscapes as different as beaches, forests, mountains, cliffs and even deserts! So now you know, if you want to experience all the beauty of this state, prepare yourself well, buy quality shoes and start reading the book "Wild". (For now we are content with having read the book :-p).

18. Joshua National Park

You don't have to travel too many miles to visit a desert, just head to Joshua National Park to find yourself surrounded by an arid environment where the kings are the strange trees (Yucca Brevifolia) that give the park its name. It occupies part of the Colorado and Mojave deserts and offers good hiking options, as well as being a great place to camp and gaze at the stars (you do need a permit, though).

19. Silicon Valley

Are you a geek at heart and want to get to know the technological capital of the world? The most cutting-edge ideas are brewing in Silicon Valley , and the brains of tomorrow's millionaires roam freely among cutting-edge offices, hidden garages and cafes that never close.

20. Red Wood National Park

If you don't have too many days and your idea is to base yourself in San Francisco, take the opportunity to rent a car and go to Red Wood National Park . Here, as in Sequoia, you will be surrounded by giant sequoias and with a plus... there are almost no tourists! Here we tell you about our visit to Red Wood National Park .

These are the 20 best things to see and do in California . As you can see, there are plans for all tastes and, although it is impossible to visit so many places in a single trip, it is worth returning to complete the list. That is what we did and what we will continue to do... and California is a lot of California and we are already looking forward to returning.

And you? Have you traveled to this state? Do you know more things to see and do in California?

Things to do