50 Best Things To Do in California – Top Places to Visit in California

What to do in California? California, the Golden State, offers many activities and attractions to suit the various interests of all travelers. California has something for everyone, from scenic natural wonders to vibrant urban experiences. So read this article on 50 of the best things to do in California which are some of the most beautiful places to visit in California.

👉🏼Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days

50 Best Things to Do in California – Places to Visit in California

Here’s a detailed guide on the top 50 best things to do in California, why they are worth visiting, and some valuable tips for each.

Visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is home to iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, this park is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is the one of the best places to visit in California.

 

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and book accommodations well in advance.

👉🏼Beautiful Yosemite Itinerary 2 Days – Best 2 Days In Yosemite National Park

Explore San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of San Francisco. This iconic suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.

Walk or bike across the bridge for a more immersive experience. Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Wander Through Disneyland Resort

Known as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland offers magical experiences for all ages with its rides, shows, and character interactions.

Download the Disneyland app for real-time updates and ride wait times.

Drive Along Pacific Coast Highway

This scenic route along the US 1 Highway offers stunning coastal views, charming towns, and picturesque landscapes. Some of the famous scenic stopovers are Big Sur and Hearst Castle.

Take your time to stop at viewpoints, beaches, and towns along the way.

Tour the Wine Country in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is renowned for its world-class wineries and vineyards and offers exquisite wine-tasting experiences and scenic vineyard tours.

Consider booking a guided wine tour to enjoy the experience without worrying about driving.

Hike in Joshua Tree National Park

Known for its unique Joshua Trees and dramatic desert landscapes, this park is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Visit during the cooler months to avoid extreme heat.

Relax on Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is famous for its pier, vibrant boardwalk, and beautiful sandy shores, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and people-watching.

Arrive early to find parking, bring sunscreen, and explore the nearby Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining.

Explore Los Angeles’ Hollywood

Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the world, home to the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and numerous studios.

Take a guided tour to learn about Hollywood’s history and see famous landmarks.

Visit Alcatraz Island

This former federal prison offers intriguing historical tours and stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

Book tickets in advance, as tours often sell out quickly.

Enjoy Lake Tahoe’s Outdoor Activities

Lake Tahoe offers year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and boating.

Check weather conditions and road closures if visiting during winter.

Marvel at the Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park

Home to some of the most giant trees in the world, Sequoia National park offers awe-inspiring natural beauty and unique hiking trails.

Visit the General Sherman Tree and take the Congress Trail for a memorable experience.

Stroll Through Balboa Park in San Diego

This cultural oasis features museums, gardens, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo.

Plan your visit around the free museum days offered monthly.

Experience the San Diego Zoo

One of the most famous zoos in the world, it houses over 3,500 animals and offers immersive exhibits and shows.

Wear comfortable shoes and arrive early to avoid crowds.

Discover Hearst Castle

This historic estate offers opulent architecture, art collections, and stunning ocean views. Book a guided tour to appreciate the castle’s history and grandeur fully.

Visit Death Valley National Park

Known for its extreme temperatures and unique landscapes, Death Valley offers dramatic scenery and fascinating natural features. 

👉🏼Best Death Valley National Park Itinerary – Things To Do, Stopovers & Stays

Bring plenty of water and visit during the cooler months to avoid extreme heat.

Enjoy the Beaches of Malibu

Malibu‘s pristine beaches and upscale atmosphere make it a perfect destination for relaxation and surfing.

Check out Zuma Beach and El Matador Beach for beautiful coastal views.

Tour the Historic Missions of California

The California missions offer a glimpse into the state’s early history and Spanish colonial heritage. Start with Mission San Juan Capistrano, known for its stunning gardens and architecture.

Explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter

This historic district is known for its vibrant nightlife, dining, and entertainment options.

Visit during the evening to experience the lively atmosphere and street performers.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

This world-renowned aquarium offers engaging exhibits and a chance to see marine life up close.

Buy tickets online to skip the line and plan to spend a few hours exploring.

Hike to McWay Falls in Big Sur

This picturesque waterfall cascades onto a secluded beach, offering one of California’s most iconic coastal views.

Park at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and take the short trail to the overlook.

Explore Old Sacramento

This historic district features preserved buildings, museums, shops, and riverfront dining. Take a guided tour to learn about Sacramento’s Gold Rush history.

Tour Universal Studios Hollywood

This theme park in Los Angeles and working studio offers thrilling rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Use the Universal Express Pass to skip lines and maximize your time.

Enjoy the San Diego Beaches

San Diego’s beaches, like La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach, offer beautiful landscapes and water activities.

Visit during the weekdays for fewer crowds and better parking options.

Discover the Getty Center in Los Angeles

This art museum offers impressive collections, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of Los Angeles.

Admission is free, but parking requires a fee. Consider taking public transportation.

Visit the Griffith Observatory

This iconic observatory offers educational exhibits, telescopes, and stunning views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Visit at sunset for the best views and to catch a planetarium show.

Explore the Redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument

This park offers serene walks among towering redwoods and lush greenery. Arrive early to find parking and enjoy the trails with fewer crowds.

Take a Boat Tour of San Francisco Bay

Boat tours offer unique perspectives of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and skyline.

Dress in layers, as it can get chilly on the water.

Experience Old Town San Diego

This historic area offers a glimpse into San Diego’s past with preserved buildings, museums, and authentic Mexican cuisine.

Visit the Whaley House Museum for a spooky tour of one of America’s most haunted houses.

Hike in Point Reyes National Seashore

This coastal park offers rugged cliffs, scenic beaches, and diverse wildlife. Check out the Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Elephant Seal Overlook.

Enjoy the Venice Beach Boardwalk

This eclectic beachfront area is known for its street performers, shops, and Muscle Beach.

Rent a bike or rollerblades to explore the boardwalk and nearby Santa Monica.

Visit the Santa Barbara Mission

Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” it offers beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about the mission’s history and significance.

Explore the Huntington Library and Gardens

This cultural institution offers an extensive library, art collections, and stunning botanical gardens. Plan to enjoy the gardens and exhibits for at least half a day.

Tour the Warner Bros. Studio

This behind-the-scenes tour offers insights into the making of popular TV shows and movies. Book your tour in advance and arrive early for the best experience.

Discover the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

This tramway offers breathtaking views as it ascends from the desert floor to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Dress in layers, as temperatures vary significantly from the base to the top.

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles

This museum features a diverse collection of contemporary artworks and rotating exhibitions. Check the museum’s schedule for special events and free admission days.

Enjoy the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

This classic seaside amusement park offers rides, games, and attractions on the beach.

Arrive early to find parking and enjoy shorter lines for the rides.

Explore the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This vast desert park offers stunning wildflower displays, unique rock formations, and abundant wildlife.

Visit in the spring for the best wildflower viewing and cooler temperatures.

Visit the California State Capitol in Sacramento

This historic building houses the state government and offers informative tours of its legislative chambers and museum.

Tours are free but check the schedule ahead of time to plan your visit.

Tour the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose

This architectural curiosity is known for its maze-like design, odd features, and reported hauntings. Book a guided tour to learn about the house’s history and mysteries.

Discover the Natural Bridges State Beach

This beach is famous for its natural rock arches and tide pools teeming with marine life. Visit during low tide to explore the tide pools and see more wildlife.

Explore the Channel Islands National Park

This remote park offers pristine landscapes, unique wildlife, and excellent kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities.

Plan your visit carefully and arrange transportation to the islands in advance.

Visit the Oakland Museum of California

This museum offers exhibits on California’s art, history, and natural sciences. Check for special exhibitions and events that may enhance your visit.

Enjoy the Views from Mount Tamalpais

This mountain offers panoramic views of the Bay Area, hiking trails, and picturesque landscapes.

Visit on a clear day for the best views and bring a picnic at the summit.

Discover the Gardens at Filoli

This historic estate offers beautifully manicured gardens, a grand mansion, and scenic trails.

Visit in the spring or summer when the gardens are in full bloom.

Visit the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles

This museum offers impactful exhibits on the Holocaust, human rights, and social justice. Allow several hours to explore the exhibits and participate fully in interactive displays.

Explore the Cabrillo National Monument

This monument offers historical exhibits, scenic views, and tide pools to explore.

Visit during low tide to see the tide pools and bring binoculars for whale watching.

Enjoy the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

This museum features an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. To enhance your visit, check for special exhibitions and guided tours.

Tour the Historic Queen Mary in Long Beach

This retired ocean liner offers historical tours, dining, and unique overnight accommodations. Book a ghost tour to learn about the ship’s haunted history.

Visit the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco

This museum offers a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history exhibits all under one roof.

Buy tickets online to avoid long lines and plan to spend a whole day exploring.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

This iconic landmark offers excellent photo opportunities and stunning views of Los Angeles. Choose the Mt. Hollywood Trail for a moderate hike with rewarding views.

California is a diverse state with many attractions catering to all interests.

Now you know what to see in California and will soon plan your California trip. Whether exploring natural wonders, cultural experiences, or urban adventures, there’s always something new and exciting in this golden state. Save this list of 50 best things to do in California(California must see places) to plan your perfect California itinerary and make the most of your visit.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

Follow more on social media channels at 

Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   Pinterest

Youtube.

All content and photos belong to travelwithme247blog(dot)com , and the use of content/photos without permission would result in legal action.

DISCLAIMER – The blog’s content is solely my views of a place or a thing. This does not offend any class, religion, ethnicity, or nation. My views can change from time to time. This blog may contain some advertisements or links to commercial products, so this site is not responsible after you click on those advertisements. 

We are the independent owner of this site, and the views expressed in this are our own. All photographs are owned by me. There can be slight differences in distances, locations, or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible. This post may contain some affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you. I will earn if you will click through affiliates and make a purchase.