There’s a lot to love about California. From north to south and from east to west, this state caters to a wide variety of interests. Whether tourists are called to the mountains, beckoned by the sea, or compelled by the city, there’s so much to see and do across every county in California.
If you’re planning to travel to California sometime soon and are considering places to visit in the US, we have some stellar recommendations for you! This article offers thoughtfully curated suggestions about where to go and what to do so your trip will be full of exciting moments and happy memories.
There’s an abundance of picturesque parks and forests across California.
Just outside Crescent City, in the northern part of Redwood National and State Parks, is where you’ll find some of the tallest redwood trees in the world. If you enjoy hiking, bird watching, encountering flora and fauna, and have a desire to stand among ancient redwood trees, this park is for you. The new and sustainable trail system that’s been established on Grove of Titans Trail enables you to view these giant redwoods in all their glory so you can marvel at them—how far they stretch toward the sky, how they’ve been standing for centuries! It really is mind-boggling to stand next to these trees, and once you’re there, you’ll see why even the best photographs don’t do them justice.
Yosemite Valley is another destination that should be on your list of places to visit if you like majestic waterfalls, grassy meadows, towering granite cliffs, and diverse wildlife. It’s in Yosemite Valley where you can admire the tallest waterfall in North America as well as El Capitan, the earth’s largest single piece of granite. Spires, domes, pinnacles, and other landforms round out this park’s appeal among tourists who find the valley’s myriad geographical features and panoramic views breathtaking.
The culinary scene across towns and cities in California is simply exceptional.
Call it Los Angeles, LA, or the City of Angels: whatever you call it, you’re sure to find a restaurant in this dreamy city that appeals to your palate and meets your budget. We recommend checking out the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and then exploring all the dynamic restaurant options you have around seemingly every corner. This is the place where celebrity chefs are consistently delighting their guests . . . where innovative ice cream flavors are scooped . . . where international flavors are honored and new flavors introduced. Treat yourself to a meal that you won’t soon forget; you’ll be glad you did.
Napa Valley also makes our list as one of the best places to visit in California because it’s regarded as one of the top wine destinations in the world. Even if you don’t drink wine, you’ll still be impressed by the dining establishments across Napa Valley, some of which have even earned the Michelin star distinction. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, check out the Napa Valley Wine Train—an experience that involves boarding a meticulously restored train (complete with whistles and all!) that highlights the best food and drinks that Napa Valley has to offer.
Art lovers will be enamored by the creativity that’s on display across California.
What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea one of the best places to visit has a lot to do with its past, present, and future as it relates to art and artistry. Famous writers and painters gathered here in the early 20th century, taking inspiration from the village’s enchanting, fairytale-like scenery to create notable works that captured the essence of this small yet vibrant beach town. Today, art galleries throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea showcase work by both established and emerging artists. That said, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s art scene is alive and well, and this is definitely one of the most exciting places to visit in California if you wish to be in the company of those who enjoy celebrating and promoting creativity.
La Jolla—located approximately 13 miles away from San Diego—is home to a Tony-award-winning performing arts theater that’s regarded as one of the best in the state. Nestled on the campus of the University of California, San Diego, La Jolla Playhouse excels at bringing plays, musicals, and other memorable theatrical experiences to fruition. If you are intrigued by the thought of seeing a professional production in a small and intimate setting, La Jolla Playhouse should appear on your list of places to visit while in California.
There are many places to visit in California that will entertain and inspire children of all ages.
This iconic theme park is located in Anaheim, California. Between the numerous rides, entertainment options, and themed hotels/restaurants, there is seemingly no shortage of magic waiting to be found within the park’s gates. If you appreciate the incredible empire that Walt Disney built—and continues to build posthumously—and you can’t help but feel a certain nostalgia toward Disney movies, it’ll be a thrill to watch your children take in the wonders of Disneyland, pointing and smiling as they go.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in 1984. Ever since its inception, this world-class aquarium has been dedicated to educating visitors of all ages about marine life that’s found not only in California but also around the world. The aquarium is rather large, comprising of more than 200 exhibits, one of which is a massive kelp forest. Children and their parents will be able to view fascinating animals such as penguins, sea otters, octopuses, sea turtles, and sharks, among many others. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in the country—and rightly so!
The beaches in California vary—some are crowded and lively, while others are laid-back and secluded.
Conveniently situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach should earn a spot on your list of places to visit if you enjoy the idea of spending time in a coastal city covered by coves and beaches. Sea caves, tide pools, ocean-side bluffs, and sandy beaches keep tourists coming back for more. Whether you want to take surfing lessons, lounge on the beach, or explore a natural tide pool, you can find many fantastic ways to spend a day here.
One of the few accessible beaches in Big Sur, California, Pfeiffer Beach is simply stunning. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera! What makes this beach on the Central California coast so captivating? Well, let’s just say that there are many massive cliffs and unique rock formations that will capture your attention and earn your utterances of amazement. Even though you shouldn’t swim here on account of the beach’s cold water and strong currents, a visit to Pfeiffer Beach is a worthwhile visit for those who love sand, water, and natural rock formations.
We hope our recommendations for places to visit in California prove useful to you as you plan your upcoming trip. No matter where you go and what you do, your time spent in this beloved state on the West Coast is bound to be extraordinary because it will engage all five of your senses, broaden your horizons, and give you an opportunity to see what makes California itself one of the most popular states to visit in all of America.
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