California in Summer - Best Things To Do in California

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California in summer is where dreams meet sunshine. With golden beaches, fog-kissed coastlines, glacier-fed alpine lakes, fragrant vineyards, and adventure-packed national parks, the Golden State serves up some of the most iconic and diverse summer vacations in the U.S. Whether you’re into laid-back coastal getaways, scenic drives, or adrenaline-fueled hikes, summer trips in California offer it all.

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California in Summer – Things to Do in California in Summer 🌞

In this guide, discover the best places to go in the summer in California, how to get there, where to stay on a mid-budget, top tours to book, commute tips, FAQs, and everything you need for your perfect summer vacation in California.

Lake Tahoe – A Cool Mountain Escape

Lake Tahoe is California’s jewel of the Sierra Nevada. In summer, the snow melts into brilliant blue waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, while the surrounding pine forests and granite peaks make for epic hiking and biking trails. The mix of relaxation and adventure is unbeatable.

Distance & Route

From San Francisco: 3.5 to 4 hours (200 miles) via I-80 E
From Los Angeles: 8 hours (450 miles) via US-395 N

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Sand Harbor
Hike the scenic Eagle Lake Trail or Rubicon Trail
Take a sunset cruise on the lake
Bike the Truckee River Trail
Relax on Kings Beach with a picnic

Overnight Stay – Hotel Azure in South Lake Tahoe – a mid-budget lakefront hotel with views and is walkable to restaurants.

Tours to Book

Lake Tahoe Kayak Tour
Half-Day Hiking Tour in Emerald Bay
Helicopter Tour over Lake Tahoe (for something unforgettable)

You may also like to read👉🏼 Best Lake Tahoe Road Trip Itinerary 3 Days – Driving Around Lake Tahoe, California

Yosemite National Park – Granite Giants & Waterfalls

Summer is Yosemite’s prime season: waterfalls are flowing, trails are open, and the high country glows. This iconic park is home to El Capitan, Half Dome, giant sequoias, and the stunning Yosemite Valley. It’s one of the best California summer trips for nature lovers.

Distance & Route

From San Francisco: 4 hours (170 miles) via CA-120 E
From Los Angeles: 6 hours (280 miles) via CA-41 N

Things to Do in Yosemite

Hike to Vernal Fall or Mirror Lake
Explore Glacier Point for panoramic views
Bike around Yosemite Valley Loop
Visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Stargaze near Tuolumne Meadows

Overnight Stay – Yosemite Valley Lodge – near Yosemite Falls, perfect mid-budget base inside the park.

Tours to Book

Yosemite Valley Floor Tour
Guided Hiking & Photography Tour
Full-Day Glacier Point Tour with picnic lunch

You may also like to read👉🏼 Beautiful Yosemite Itinerary 2 Days – Best 2 Days In Yosemite National Park

Big Sur – The Dreamy Coastal Drive

This rugged coastal stretch between Carmel and San Simeon is California’s most photogenic drive. Big Sur’s sheer cliffs, wildflower-covered hills, and hidden coves create a sense of escape like nowhere else. It’s a must for anyone chasing unforgettable summer trips in California.

Distance & Route

From San Francisco: 2.5 to 3 hours (120 miles) via CA-1 S
From Los Angeles: 6 hours (300 miles) via US-101 N to CA-1 N

Things to Do

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Visit McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Hike the Limekiln Falls Trail
Relax at Pfeiffer Beach (with its purple sand!)
Stop at Bixby Bridge for the classic photo op

Overnight Stay – Big Sur River Inn – charming and affordable with riverside views.

You may also like to read👉🏼 Epic Big Sur Itinerary One Day – Scenic Stopovers, Things To Do, & Hotels

Tours to Book

Self-guided audio tour of Pacific Coast Highway
Horseback Riding on the beach near San Simeon
Guided Coastal Hiking Experience in Big Sur

San Diego – Surf, Sunshine & Summer Vibes

San Diego is the quintessential beach city and one of the best places to go in the summer in California for families, couples, and solo travelers. It has world-class beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, a world-famous zoo, and delicious food.

Distance & Route

From Los Angeles: 2 hours (120 miles) via I-5 S
From Palm Springs: 2.5 hours (140 miles) via I-15 S

Things to Do

Spend the day at La Jolla Shores or Coronado Beach
Visit the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park
Stroll through Balboa Park and the museums
Kayak sea caves in La Jolla
Explore Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter

Overnight Stay – The Dana on Mission Bay – mid-budget waterfront resort with pools and marina.

Tours to Book

Sea Cave Kayak Tour in La Jolla
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Napa Valley – Sip Through Summer

Warm sunny days, rolling vineyards, and luxurious tastings make Napa Valley a top pick for a romantic summer vacation in California. Summer is also when vineyards host concerts, dinners, and grape-to-glass experiences.

Distance & Route

From San Francisco: 1.5 hours (65 miles) via CA-29 N
From Sacramento: 1.5 hours (70 miles) via CA-128 W

Things to Do

Wine tasting at Castello di Amorosa or Domaine Carneros
Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train
Hot air balloon over vineyards
Explore Oxbow Market in downtown Napa
Visit the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

Overnight Stay – River Terrace Inn – boutique hotel in Napa with vineyard access and river views.

Tours to Book

Guided Winery Tour with three tastings
Napa Wine Train Gourmet Lunch Experience
Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne Breakfast

You may also like to read👉🏼 5 Most Beautiful Towns in Napa Valley – Things To Do, Tours & Stays

Death Valley – Extreme Beauty (Early Summer Only)

Yes, it’s one of the hottest places on Earth, but early summer mornings in Death Valley reveal a surreal and silent desert beauty: glowing dunes, salt flats, and colorful badlands. Come prepared, and this place will leave you awestruck. If you want to feel the heat, visit this place, but with the precaution of not getting your vehicle too hot while driving.

Distance & Route

From Las Vegas: 2.5 hours (120 miles) via NV-160 W
From Los Angeles: 4.5 hours (260 miles) via CA-14 N

Things to Do

See sunrise at Zabriskie Point
Visit Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America)
Watch the dunes change colors at Mesquite Flat
Drive Artist’s Palette scenic loop
Stargazing – some of the darkest skies in the U.S.

Overnight Stay – 📍 The Inn at Death Valley – surprisingly lush and well-shaded, mid-budget resort in Furnace Creek.

You may also like to read👉🏼 Best Death Valley National Park Itinerary – Things To Do, Stopovers & Stays

Tours to Book

Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas
Private Stargazing Experience
Sunrise Photography Tour

Santa Barbara – The American Riviera

Santa Barbara is all Mediterranean charm and coastal class. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, this elegant city offers wine tasting, beach lounging, boutique shopping, and scenic hikes all in one.

Distance & Route

From Los Angeles: 2 hours (95 miles) via US-101 N
From San Francisco: 5 hours (330 miles) via US-101 S

Things to Do

Walk along Stearns Wharf and State Street
Explore Santa Barbara Mission
Wine tasting in Funk Zone
Hike Inspiration Point
Relax on Butterfly Beach

Overnight Stay – The Wayfarer Downtown Hostel – an upscale hostel with private rooms, pool, and a walkable location.

You may also like to read👉🏼 Best Day Trips From Santa Barbara California

Tours to Book

Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
Coastal Wine Tasting Tour
Whale Watching Cruise (seasonal)

Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea – Artsy Coastal Charm

This area along the Central Coast combines rugged Pacific beauty with charming villages. It’s artistic, peaceful, and offers one of the best scenic drives in the world – the 17-Mile Drive. Great for both romance and family-friendly summer trips in California.

Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days — Monterey Fisherman Wharf

Distance & Route

From San Francisco: 2 hours (120 miles) via US-101 S
From LA: 6 hours (320 miles) via US-101 N

Things to Do

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium
Walk Cannery Row & Fisherman’s Wharf
Drive the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach
Wander Carmel’s art galleries and beaches
Hike Point Lobos State Reserve

Overnight Stay – Hotel Pacific in Monterey – beautiful Spanish-style suites at a fair price.

Tours to Book

Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour
Self-Guided Carmel Walking Audio Tour
Point Lobos Guided Nature Walk

Internal Commute in California – California Summer Trips

By Car: Renting a car is the best way to explore the state, especially coastal routes, national parks, and wine regions. Book in advance for the best summer deals.
By Train: Amtrak’s Coast Starlight connects LA, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco with great views.
By Bus: FlixBus and Greyhound offer affordable options between cities but can be time-consuming.
In Cities, use Uber/Lyft or rent electric scooters in San Diego, LA, and SF for short distances.

Helpful Tips – Summer Trips in California

Book National Park Accommodations Early: They fill up 6 months in advance.
Stay Hydrated: Especially in inland and desert areas like Death Valley.
Use Layers: Coastal regions like San Francisco can be chilly and windy even in summer.
Avoid Peak Times: Visit major spots like Yosemite before 10 AM or after 4 PM to skip crowds.
Watch Wildfire Alerts: Check CalFire updates during your trip.

Average Weather – Summer in California

San Francisco – 58–68°F – Foggy mornings, sunny afternoons

Los Angeles – 65–85°F – Sunny, dry, occasional heatwaves

Lake Tahoe – 50–80°F – Crisp mornings, perfect days

Yosemite – 55–85°F – Cool in the shade, warm in the sun

Death Valley – 90–120°F+ – Visit only early AM or sunset. Afternoons are extremely hot. There are many precautions while driving during the day due to the heating up of the vehicle.

Napa Valley – 60–90°F – Dry and sunny

San Diego – 65–75°F – Mild and breezy

FAQs – Places to go in the Summer in California

Q: What is the best time to visit California in summer?

A: June through August is perfect, but if you visit in early June or late August, you will have fewer crowds and milder weather.

Q: Is it safe to visit Death Valley in summer?

A: Yes, but only early morning or sunset. Carry LOTS of water, avoid long hikes, and stay informed.

Q: Do I need a car to explore California in summer?

A: Highly recommended unless you’re only visiting big cities. Coastal drives and national parks need personal transportation.

Q: How crowded is California in the summer?

A: Very crowded in touristy spots. Beat the crowds by arriving early or visiting mid-week.

Q: Is California suitable for a summer family trip?

A: Absolutely! Beaches, parks, aquariums, and kid-friendly cities like San Diego and Monterey are great for families.

From shimmering lakes to dramatic coastlines and lush vineyards to alpine escapes, California in summer is a complete summer vacation getaway —in the best way possible. Whether you’re crafting a weekend escape or an extended road trip, there are endless things to do in California in summer that fit every pace and passion.

So pack your sunscreen, rent that convertible, and get ready for the summer vacation in California you’ve always dreamed of.

California in Summer – Best Things To Do in California