30 Best Places To Visit In California-Travel Guide
There are only a few places in the world that can be called dream destinations. I have no doubt in my mind that California is one of the best destinations in the world not only for me but for most of the people reading this. There are a lot of best places to visit in California.
It is really difficult to choose the California bucket list because each and every place has its own beauty and charisma be it the mountains of Yosemite National Park or the glamour of Hollywood or Santa Monica beach.
I had my first California road trip when I was 21 and I completely loved California travel experience.
California is truly blessed.
Lets find out the
California Travel Guide
1.Los Angeles
Located in Southern California, Los Angeles is one of the most famous cities in the world mostly because of Hollywood. We have seen so many movies featuring Los Angeles that it is really hard to count.
When I came here for the first time I just said Wow! What a place. I loved Beverly Hills especially Rodeo Drive.
Who can forget the iconic Hollywood sign at the top of Mount Lee? You can see your favorite celebrity imprints at TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Walk Of Fame at Hollywood Boulevard.
Bel Air is another elite area. It is home to a number of celebrities. Hollywood Bowl is a beautiful amphitheater so if you are in a mood for live music shows then go for it.
You can take a sightseeing tour by bus. Hollywood is also famous for the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. One of the best things to see in Los Angeles is Hollywood Museum.
Franklin Village is not to be missed.
If you are curious about how movies are shot you can take Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, and Universal Studios tour which is one of the highlights of Los Angeles sightseeing.
I really enjoyed my time in the Museum Of Illusions. I was always curious about Guinness Of World Records and so I visited Guinness Museum.
If you love hiking like me then you must visit Runyon Canyon Park.
Los Angeles Attractions
One of the major Los Angeles tourist attractions is Disneyland and trust me it is not only for kids but for people of all ages. There are different rides, famous restaurants, so many shows, there is something for everyone.
Griffith Park is famous for the LA Zoo and one of the best places to visit in California with kids. You will be mesmerized by the view from Griffith Observatory. The other things you can do are hiking, golfing, or maybe horse riding at Sunset Ranch. A number of Hollywood films were shot on Sunset Boulevard.
Grand Central Market is a great place for dining and some fun.
My favorite 3.5 mile Santa Monica State Beach is a treat to watch, it is so beautiful. There are so many rides and amazing restaurants. Pacific Park is very famous here.
Venice Beach is very popular among locals and tourists. If you want to see beautiful graffiti art then head to Venice Public Art Walls.
For people who love the culture, one of the best things to see in California is The Getty, a famous museum. For music lovers, you must see the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
About 12 miles from Los Angeles is the famous Huntington Botanical Garden in Pasadena which has different themed gardens like Desert garden and Japanese Garden to name a few.
Huntington Library is a great option for book lovers. You can also watch the biggest surfing competition called Vans US Open Of Surfing on the beautiful Huntington Beach. One of the best places in Huntington is Surf City Nights Street Fair.
For people who love surfing Huntington Beach International, Surfing Museum is a treat to watch. Huntington Beach Pier is one of the most famous landmarks here.
Huntington Central Park is a great place to unwind. The other beach I loved here is Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Los Angeles County Museum Of Art is home to artifacts, modern art, and beautiful paintings. California Science Center will be a great experience for kids.
Read:17 Los Angeles Hikes
2.Marin County
Located in the northwestern part of San Francisco, Marin County has beautiful natural sites. If you are looking for beautiful hiking trails then visit Point Reyes National Seashore. The view from Point Reyes Lighthouse is surreal.
Earthquake Trail is truly enjoyable. For nature lovers, Muir Woods National Monument gives them an opportunity to see tall trees, and the greeneries all around are simply outstanding.
There are some beautiful state parks here like Angel Island State Park, Tomales Bay State Park, and China Camp State Park. The hilly peninsula Marin Headlands is a treat to watch.
Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas Beach are great to unwind and play water sports. You must visit Sausalito town. It is great for shopping and food. For seafood lovers, Bodega Bay is a great place.
You will get fresh crab and salmon. It is great for hiking, kayaking, and surfing too.
3.San Francisco
The best time to go to San Francisco is May-June and September-October. It is not crowded during this time and the weather is also pleasant.
San Francisco is most famous for the Golden Gate Bridge. The other famous spots are Lombard Street, China Town, Victorian houses, and scintillating bay views.
Fisherman’s Wharf is another place to look out for. Alcatraz Island which is a famous prison in the middle of the island is also a tourist spot.
Don’t miss cable cars ride. It will take you to Lombard Street and Ferry Building.
North Beach is one of the best neighborhoods in the US.
Another hotspot is Golden Gate Park famous for museum, California Academy Of Science and beautiful gardens.
You must visit Berkeley and Oakland which are just half an hour’s drive from San Francisco.
Berkeley is mostly known for the University Of California but Berkeley hills are also spectacular. You must see Berkeley Art Museum, it is beautiful. Berkeley Marina is known for the kite festival.
Oakland is home to Jackson London Square, Rockridge and Fruitvale.
Pescadero is just an hour’s drive from San Francisco which is home to beautiful Butano State Park, Harley Farms Goat Dairy, Ano Nuevo State Park, Bean Hollow State Beach, and Pescadero Marsh Natural Reserve.
I was very impressed with Legion Of Honor museum. On the third street you will see San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
For history lovers, the Asian Art Museum is a must-watch. Another museum that fascinated me is Exploratorium. People of all ages right from kids to adults love this science museum.
One of the best Biosphere Reserve I have ever seen is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It has beautiful beaches, trails, and a nice atmosphere.
Mission District is another popular neighborhood in San Francisco. There are so many high end food joints.
Though Angel Island State Park is not very famous if you want to be away from the crowd and spend some time in a quiet place then this is perfect for you.
Known for upscale boutiques and fancy restaurants Hayes Valley is another place to watch out for. Don’t miss the summer festivals in Oakland.
How can I forget Twin Peaks which is one of the most famous tourist attractions? It gives a spectacular view of the bay area. Another place that is a must-see is Half Moon Bay, a small city known for amazing beaches and hiking spots.
San Francisco is truly one of the best places to visit in northern California.
Read: The Other Best Things In San Francisco
4.Sierra Nevada
It is a spectacular mountain range and includes the famous Yosemite and Kings Canyon, National Park. The Sierra Nevada region is also home to the beautiful Sequoia National Park.
On the western slope of Sierra Nevada, you will see the famous Gold Country Region. A four-hour drive from the Sierra Nevada to Coloma will take you to the location called Marshal Gold Discovery State Park wherein 1948 gold was discovered.
Another major attraction in Sierra Nevada is Empire Mine, State Park. Located in Grass Valley, it is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places. It was a huge gold mine and closed in 1956. The other attraction in Sierra Veda is South Yuba River, State Park.
The park is known for beautiful natural swimming holes and hiking trails. Near Yuba River lies a small beautiful town called Downieville. It is a natural beauty. You will love to do kayaking and fishing here.
Few other beautiful locations near the Sierra Nevada region are Dave Moore Nature Area, South Fork American River, and Cronan Ranch Regional Trails, Park.
These are amazing areas for biking and hiking. Murphys is also a beautiful village in the Sierra Nevada region. A two-hour drive from Siera Nevada will take you to the spectacular Mono Lake.
On the east Of Sierra Nevada is Bodie which is a ghost town. It is two and a half hour’s drive from Sierra Nevada region.
5.Yosemite National Park
The fifth highest waterfall in the world is Yosemite Falls. I visited the fall in May and May-June is the best time to visit this national park. It is one of the most unique places to visit in California.
Surrounded by granite cliffs Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half Dome is another hot spot and hike in Yosemite. Ice skating is very popular in winters in Half Dome Village. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are just amazing hiking spots.
The glacial valley called Yosemite Valley is spectacular. El Capitan is loved by climbers. If you want to have a great view of Tuolumne Meadows then you must visit Lembert Dome. One of the most beautiful lakes I have seen is Tenaya Lake. In Tenaya Creek, you will see a small beautiful lake called Mirror Lake.
Tioga Road offers amazing view of alpine areas.
Tourists from across the globe come here for hiking, biking, camping and to explore the Yosemite trails.
Vernal Falls is one of the easiest hikes but quite satisfying.
Glacier Point gives you an amazing view of Yosemite Vally. Another must-see is Brideveil Fall located to the south of Yosemite Valley. You can do camping at Camp 4.
If you want to see the biggest grove of sequoias then head to Mariposa Grove.
The accommodation in Yosemite Includes The Ahwahnee which is a luxury hotel, then there is Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, White Wolf Lodge. In winter the best lodge is Glacier Point Ski Hut.
Even if you are by yourself Yosemite is one of the best places to visit in California alone. You will thoroughly enjoy your trip. It is one of the most popular places in California.
Read:
Things To Do in Yosemite National Park
6.Mendocino
Located on California’s North Coast, Mendocino is a beautiful county.
Russian Gulch State Park is one of the spectacular places in Mendocino. Another spectacular place is Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Some of the beautiful beaches here are Glass Beach, Van Damme Beach, and Schooner Gulch State Beach. Visit the wineries of Mendocino for wine tasting.
Van Damme State Park is perfect for hiking.
7.San Diego
San Diego is also called America’s Finest City. It truly lives up to the expectation. San Diego is famous for its beautiful beaches.
Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo are some of the best places to visit in San Diego.
If you want to see the dolphins show you must visit Sea World which is an aquatic theme park.
The State Of The Art Pecto Park is home to most famous Baseball stadium.
USS Midway Museum is the best place to see naval aircrafts.
I loved La Jolla for its beach, restaurants, view, and cafes. Another famous place is the Gaslamp Quarter, it offers amazing food and nightlife. Birch Aquarium and New Children’s Museum are two favorite places for kids.
I think San Diego is one of the most peaceful places in California. People who are interested in history must visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is a National Historic Landmark so don’t miss it.
Also called Jewel Of The California Missions, Mission San Juan Capistrano is a Spanish mission.
Coronado Beach, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the best beaches in San Diego.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers spectacular view.
Cabrillo National Monument is a perfect place to get Instagram pictures.
Belmont Park and La Jolla Shores are great picnic spots.
Don’t forget to visit Little Italy known for cocktail bars and amazing food. Santa Catalina Island is another spot not to be missed when you are in San Diego.
It takes only a couple of hours to reach this island but it is a superb place. Avalon is the major hub for entertainment here. The other one I liked was Two Harbors, a small village.
If you want to view the beauty from mountain resort then visit Idyllwild which is two hours drive from San Diego.
San Diego is truly one of the best places to visit in Southern California.
Read:
Free Things To Do In San Diego California-Top 25
8.San Luis Obispo
The city is known for its beautiful historic buildings. The Farmer’s Market every Thursday is a major attraction. Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, and Avila Beach are beautiful beaches here. For people interested in paintings and sculptures San Luis Obispo Museum is a great place.
Bishop Peak Trail is a beautiful trail in San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a beautiful museum that showcases historical railroad equipment and photographs.
There is a beautiful Catholic Church called Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. For beautiful wine tasting, you must visit Edna Valley.
Bubblegum Alley is a major attraction for kids. Morro Bay is a great place to experience marine life and it is just 16 minutes drive from San Luis Obispo.
An hour’s drive from San Luis Obispo will take you to another beautiful state park called Montana de Oro State Park.
9.Lake Tahoe
Known for turquoise water, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. The lake attracts a lot of eyeballs because of the beautiful Emerald Bay.
Lake Tahoe is famous for all sorts of outdoor activities like water sports, hiking, biking, camping and fishing.
Kings Beach is located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and famous for amazing restaurants, cafes, events, swimming, paragliding.
Squaw Valley, NorthStar California Resort and Heavenly are famous ski resorts here.
D.L. Bliss State Park located on the western shore includes pristine beaches and trails. Another spectacular park on the western shore of Lake Tahoe is Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point, State Park. In winter you can ski up to 11 miles.
Located just 20 minutes drive from Lake Tahoe is beautiful Donner Memorial State Park. For skiing and snowboarding, Homewood Mountain Resort is one of the best options.
Sand Harbor State Park is perfect for scuba divers. Harrah’s Hotel And Casino is a great place if you are in a mood to splurge.
Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in California for outings for sure.
Read:
32 more things to do in Lake Tahoe
10.Anaheim
Anaheim is another spectacular city that is just 35 minutes away from Los Angeles. Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park and Oak Canyon Nature Center are its main highlights.
If you are an art lover you must see Muzeo Art Museum. Of course, Disneyland Resort is the biggest attraction here. Anaheim Packing House is a great place to spend time with family.
It is a food court that served delicious dishes. If you are a baseball fan then grab the tickets for a match in Angel Stadium.
Honda Center is a great place to watch hockey matches. They also organize comedy shows and other events. Anaheim GardenWalk is a popular shopping center.
Center Street Promenade is a great place to buy gifts, there are boutiques, street shows, Farmer’s market, and restaurants as well. Medieval Times is an interesting dinner theater.
Yorba National Park is a great place for picnicking and hiking. If you love ice skating then head to Anaheim Ice. A 14-minute drive from Anaheim will take you to Santa Ana Zoo.
Adventure City is also a beautiful amusement park. It is one of the best places to see in California.
11.Joshua Tree National Park
It is known for Joshua tree. People come here for hiking, camping. Other highlights are Keys Ranch and Lost Pal Oasis Trail.
Another highlight is Skull Rock formation. Cholla Cactus Garden is also a great attraction. You can also do rock climbing at Echo Cove. Keys View is the perfect place for a sunset view.
The park is also famous for stargazing, no wonder it is called International Dark Sky Park.
A 7.2 mile trail, Lost Palm Oasis is quite interesting.
Read: Joshua Tree Travel Guide For More Information
12.Redwood National And State Parks
It includes four national parks including Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Park, Del Norte Coast Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
You will see the world’s oldest and tallest redwood trees here. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fern canyon trail is the most popular spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is one of the most interesting trails in Redwood National Park. Trillium Falls is a beautiful waterfall and a great hiking area.
Enderts Beach is a beautiful beach popular for tide pools in Redwoods National Park. You will also love Stout Grove located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Humboldt Redwoods State Redwoods Park is just 80 minutes drive from Redwood National And State Park. You first visit the Visitor Center.
This will give you a better idea to explore the park. Founders Grove trail and Big Tree Grove are the two easy and interesting trails. When you are at Del Norte Coast Park don’t forget to visit the Klamath River Overlook. The visual is splendid.
You would love to take Avenue Of The Giants drive. From Humboldt, you can drive to port city Eureka which is 16 miles away. You can see the beautiful Carson Mansion and Sequoia Park Garden.
Women’s Federation Grove is also an amazing groove in Humboldt Redwood State Redwoods Park.
If you are interested in campgrounds then Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is a great option.
The other campgrounds are Elk Prairie campground, Burlington Campground, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, Jedediah Smith Campground, Hidden Spring Mystic Forest RV Park, and Patrick Creek.
13.Palm Springs
It is one of the perfect holiday destinations and one of the safest places to visit in California. Indian Canyons and Mount Saint Jacinto are famous for hiking trails, horseback riding, and camping.
Palm Spring Art Museum is a cultural center and museum known for art exhibitions.
Coachella Valley Preserve is truly spectacular.
It also hosts a number of events and music concerts the most famous being the Coachella Music Festival which takes place every April.
The Living Desert Zoo And Gardens as the name suggests has a beautiful zoo and a botanical garden so kids and adults both will have a good time.
If you like me is interested in aircrafts used in World War two you would love the experience of visiting Palm Springs Air Museum.
Aerial Tramway which is an aerial rotating car gives a perfect view of Palm Spring. If you want to know about modern architecture and design then you must attend Modernism Week.
You will also love Palm Springs Village Fest that happens every Thursday.
Tahquitz Canyon has a 60-foot waterfall and it is also a good hiking spot. It takes around 45 minutes to visit the amazing Joshua Tree National Park.
Read:
Things to do in Palm Springs-Top11
Best Restaurants In Palm Springs
14.Mammoth Lakes
Located in Mono County, Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful town. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center is the first place you should visit to get a fair idea of the town. Crystal Lake Hike is a spectacular hike.
Devils Postpile National Monument is known for an unusual rock formation. Here you will see a beautiful 101 feet, Rainbow Waterfall.
You will love to spend time in Convict Lake. Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most interesting trails. If you want to capture the beauty of Mammoth Lakes then get a scenic view from Minaret Vista.
The other trail I love is John Muir Trail. You will love June Lake Loop as well that consists of four lakes June Lake, Grant Lake, Silver Lake, and Gull Lake.
In winter the place looks surreal. If you like skiing and snowboarding then visit Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. A 24-mile drive from Mammoth lakes will get you to the beautiful Inyo National Forest. It is one of the great places to visit in California
15.Napa Valley
Know for vineyards Napa Valley is one of the most famous tourist attractions in California. The place is known for its amazing eateries, luxury resorts, and outdoor activities like biking and golfing. If you want to enjoy hot springs then visit Calistoga.
Castello di Amorosa is a famous castle here. Lake Berryessa is known for its outings like camping and fishing. There are more than 400 wineries in Napa Valley. From Napa Valley, you can reach Sonoma County. It is just 12 miles away.
Sonoma County is known for amazing hikes especially Tri-One Anneadel State Park and Foothill Regional Park. Another highlight of Sonoma County is Sonoma Coast, State Park.
I loved the 5-mile hike in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Sonoma Plaza is great for dining and wine tasting.
You can go for a wine tasting tour in Sonoma Valley. One of the best places in Sonoma County is Santa Rosa famous for its beautiful wineries. If you love fast cars then experience the magic in Sears Point Racing Experience.
Safari West is a beautiful wildlife area in Santa Rosa. Russian River in Santa Rosa is an ideal family gateway.
Read: Free Things To Do In California
16.Monterey
On California’s Central Coast lies the beautiful city Monterey. One of the most beautiful underwater canyons is Monterey Canyon. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a treat for kids and adults alike.
One of the most historic places here is Fisherman’s Wharf. If you are an art lover then you must see the Monterey Museum Of Art. Lake El Estero is a beautiful park here.
Pebble Beach is home to one of the best golf courses like Cypress Point Club and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful destinations here.
17.Malibu
It is a beach city in Los Angeles county. One of the famous places in Malibu is Malibu Lagoon State Beach which is famous for surfing. Other things to see in Malibu are Point Dume bluff trail and Zuma beach.
Malibu Pier is a great tourist attraction. The view from there is spectacular.
El Matador State Beach is another interesting place to spend your time. If you want to be a little adventurous the visit Malibu wine safari.
Malibu Surfrider Beach is great for surfing and sunbathing. Solstice Canyon hike is also an interesting hike. It is a 3.2-mile loop trail. Getty Villa is a beautiful museum and education center.
They also organize live shows. There are education programs for children also. A 50 minutes drive from Malibu will take you to Grotto Trail is an easy but interesting trail.
Read:
Best Beach Hikes In Malibu To Explore
The Best Places To Eat In Malibu
18.Sequoia National Park
The park is famous for huge sequoia trees. It is also home to the largest living tree in the world called General Sherman standing at 274.9 feet in Giant Forest.
This park is a great place for camping and hiking. Sherman Tree Trail is one of the popular trails here. Giant Forest Museum will give you the complete details about sequoia trees. Moro Rock is a beautiful granite dome. Tokopah Falls is spectacular.
Crystal Cave offers amazing view.
19.Santa Cruz
It is very popular among surfers. A lot of visitors come to enjoy a beach vacation here. It is also known for Santa Cruz beach boardwalk which is an amusement park and Santa Cruz Wharf.
Main Beach and Cowell Beach are two beautiful beaches In Santa Cruz. If you like the science museum then you must see Seymour Marine Discovery Center.
To spot a dolphin or seal you can visit Wilder Ranch State Park. When you visit Santa Cruz you must see Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Natural Bridges State Beach is a beautiful state park. If you are here between May to November you may spot whales. The other state park I loved is Henry Cowell Redwoods, State Park.
Pacific Avenue located at downtown is famous for shopping and restaurants. It is one of the best places to visit in Central California.
For art and history lovers Santa Cruz Museum Of Art And History is an ideal spot.
If you want to do fishing, enjoy fine dining and boat tours then you must visit Fisherman’s Wharf. Carmel is another place you will love to go.
Located 46 miles from Santa Cruz there are beautiful beaches, hotels, parks, restaurants, it is a perfect romantic gateway.
20.Santa Monica
It is one of the most beautiful cities in Los Angeles. Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier and Palisades Park are two of the major parks here. You will also get to see Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome which is a National Historic Landmark.
If you want the best Instagram moment then head to Santa Monica Stairs.
Third Street Promenade is a great place for dining and shopping. Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches. You will love to spend time in Tongva Park.
21.Laguna Beach
One of the top-rated tourist attractions of California is a coastal city called Laguna beach. Located in Orange county it is known for beautiful beaches and scenic coves.
The surfers just love this beach. Heisler Park is known for its beautiful sculptures and tide pools. It is located to the north of the beautiful Main Beach.
Laguna Canyon winery is known for top-class wines so if you love wine like me you must visit there. The beach is also known for blue whales which can be spotted during summers.
Crystal Cove State Park is simply outstanding.
Laguna is also famous for its art galleries so visit Laguna Art Museum to take a glimpse. I also loved Victoria beach which is a white sand beach.
For more read the top 100 things to do in Laguna.
Read:The Best restaurants in Laguan beach
22.Sausalito
This is one of the most beautiful cities in Marin County. Schoonmaker Beach and Tiffany Beach are the two most beautiful beaches here.
There are beautiful parks also like Dunphy Park, Tiffany Park, and Cloudview Park. The children will love Bay Area Discovery Museum. For art lovers, Sausalito Art Festival will be a great experience.
Bridgeway Promenade is a great place for shopping and good food. There are a lot of restaurants here. Fort Baker is a historical landmark and a must-visit.
You will love Headlands Center Of The Arts especially their Artist In Residence program.
23.Big Sur
Big Sur is a 90-mile lone stretch and very popular among tourists. People come here for camping and hiking.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a mecca for hikers and Pfeiffer Falls just look spectacular.
Garrapata Beach is a treat to watch. It is located in Garrapata State Park. I also loved the beautiful 80-foot waterfall called McWay Falls.
The other trails I loved are Cyprus Grove Trails and Bird Island Trail.
Another state park I loved is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
I did not want to miss any beautiful spot so I first visited Big Sur Visitor Center for guidance.
Andrew Molera State Park is just splendid and known for bicycling and hiking. Partington Cove is a short trail but it is definitely a sight to watch. Don’t miss the spectacular Hearst Castle museum.
Read:
The Best Restaurants In Big Sur
24.Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are adjacent to each other. Grant Grove is one of the popular spots here. Visitors also come here to see the world’s second-largest tree called General Grant Tree.
Head to Cedar Grove to experience beautiful scenery. Boyden Cavern is a beautiful marble cave.
25.San Jose
The capital city of Silicon Valley and a hub of tech giants like PayPal, Acer, Intel, Apple, and Microsoft is a place for tourist attractions too. It is one of the coolest cities in California.
Children Discovery Museum, Castillo de Art Museum, and Intel Museum attract a lot of visitors. Another attraction is California’s Great America, an amusement park.
Happy Hollow and Zoo is perfect for kids and adults, has a zoo as the name suggests plus a puppet theater and amusement rides.
I loved the beautiful Rose garden here. For nature lovers, Vasona Lake County Park is a must-see. With a spectacular mountain view and other outdoor activities to do like paddle boarding and kayaking, this is a perfect picnic spot.
To the south of San Jose is Mount Umunhum which is perfect for hiking.
Read:
Some Other Things To Do In San Jose
26.Channel Islands National Park
It comprises five beautiful islands. These islands are part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This island is a great place for hiking whether you hike in Santa Barbara Island or Anacapa Island you will love the experience. You will see so many animal species in Kelp Forests.
27.Santa Barbara
With the beautiful Santa Yanez Mountains as a backdrop, Santa Barbara is known for its picturesque landscape, hiking, beautiful beaches, and a lot of good places to eat.
Old Mission Santa Barbara is one of the most famous landmarks here. La Huerta Garden is a great place to be. Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail is a beautiful winery that you must see.
Inspiration Point is an ultimate place for hikers. For nature lovers Santa Barbara Botanical garden is a delight.
Stearns Wharf gives a breathtaking view of the beaches. I loved the Santa Barbara Zoo. You will see a number of different species. Santa Barbara Museum Of Art gives you a complete artistic history of Santa Barbara.
Lotusland is another famous garden and attracts a lot of visitors. For art lovers The Funk Zone District is an ideal place.
Read:
Few More Santa Barbara Tourist Attractions
Santa Barbara List Of Restaurants
List Of Most Beautiful City and Towns in California
28.Sacramento
Also called the hipster city Sacramento is one of the most famous places in California.
California State Railroad Museum takes you back to history. The other place I loved is Stutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
A popular museum among people of all ages is Fairytale Town which is a storybook theme park. Sacramento Zoo is another famous zoo in California. It is one of the best places in California to live in.
Read:
Best Restaurants in Sacramento
Top 7 Places To Live In California
29.Newport Beach
Newport Beach has the best beaches and on the other hand, it has a number of high scale restaurants and shopping centers. It is a large boat-filled harbor.
Balboa Island is a must-see. Crystal Cove State Park is best for swimming, hiking, and all sorts of water sports. Huntington Beach Pier is one of the most famous landmarks in Newport beach.
Fashion Island is a high-end one-stop shop. Don’t miss the experience. You will get all sorts of things here. Newport Pier and Balboa Pier offer amazing Instagram moments.
You would love to spend time in the beautiful botanical garden called Sherman Library And Gardens. Pelican Hill Resort is a spectacular resort. Balboa Fun Zone is a beautiful amusement park here. The 3 mile stretch of Balboa Peninsula offers a surreal view.
Read: Best Restaurants In Newport Beach
Must Read:Best Places To Visit In Bali
30. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley visit will be a very enriching experience for you. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are so beautiful. The lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin is a great sight.
Zabriskie Point is a great area to get some amazing pictures. You will love the sight. One of the best scenic views is Dante’s View.
Natural Bridge Canyon is one of the most famous hikes here.
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