23 Reasons California is the Only Place You Need to Visit This Year
There’s so much to see and do here that it’s hard to believe that California is just one state.
From the metropolitan hubs of Los Angeles and San Francisco, to the natural beauties of Yosemite National Park and Big Sur, it’s impossible not to find something amazing for your California bucket list.
To help organize your road trip better we have broken down this list into northern and southern California.
Let’s get started! Here are some of the best places to add to your California bucket list.
1. Take a Scenic Drive
The beginning of any California road trip begins down the Pacific Coast Highway.
Don’t forget your drop-top; there’s nothing like cruising along the coast with the sea breeze in your hair under the California sun.
The best time to drive here is in the summer months where you’re almost guaranteed perfect weather conditions.
2. Explore California’s Great Outdoors
At Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County, you can disconnect from the world in a canvas of towering redwood trees.
The park features hiking trails galore, diverse wildlife, and some of the best camping spots in the world.
Take a stroll down Gold Bluffs Beach and take in the fresh sea breeze while listening to the soothing sounds of crashing waves.
If you’re an avid hiker, try the Fern Canyon hike; if you think the scenery looks familiar…you’re correct! This trail was the backdrop for The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
3. Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Stride across the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic 1.7-mile stretch with orange steel giants towering above.
Gaze at the awe-inspiring views, but hold onto your hat – the gusts up here love mischief!
The best way to experience the Golden Gate Bridge is to take a boat cruise that takes you under the bridge, allowing you to get up close and personal with this iconic landmark.
That's not all, this cruise also takes you by Alcatraz Island, a former maximum-security prison turned tourist attraction.
4. Visit Wine Country
Whether you like wine or not, Napa Valley is simply a gorgeous place to visit with its hills blanketed with grapes. Skip the hassle and book a full-day wine tour.
With five towns making up Napa Valley, each offers its own attractions, such as hot springs, mud baths, hiking, shopping, and fine dining. You can even take a hot air balloon ride!
5. Hug the Biggest Trees in the World
Of course, redwoods are on this list! These trees stand over 350 ft and can live over 2000 years.
There are many places in northern California to see the largest trees in the world, but the Redwood National and State Parks is one of the best spots to experience these ancient giants.
If you like hiking, be sure to check out the Tall Trees Trail. This 4-mile roundtrip hike leads to the Tall Trees Grove, home to some of the largest trees in the park.
Another fun way to see these magnificent trees is to take the Avenue of the Giants. This 31 mile stretch of road cuts through redwood groves, offering a spectacular view on all sides of these massive trees.
6. Visit the Largest Chinatown
San Francisco is one of the most diverse cities in the world and is home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia!
The streets are lined with cobblestone pathways, colorful stores, and some of the best restaurants in town.
A visit to San Francisco isn’t complete without a trip to this vibrant and colorful part of the city.
7. Go Camping in Yosemite National Park
Located in central California, Yosemite has a myriad of hiking trails. You could spend days exploring the vast landscapes and still have so much more to see.
Take in the views of the tall granite walls in Yosemite Valley and hike famous trails like Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, Clouds Rest, and the Mist Trail, which leads to the Half Dome.
8. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful destination with many activities year-round and fun adventures for the whole family. As the season changes to winter, it becomes a skier’s paradise.
There’s a reason why it draws almost 3 million visitors a year!
9. Ride on a Wooden Roller Coaster
Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway is Santa Cruz, home of the Giant Dipper.
This legendary wooden roller coaster sits in a prime location on the boardwalk of the beautiful Santa Cruz Beach.
Take in the stunning view at the top before plummeting 70 feet in a thrilling drop that will leave you breathless.
If you’re looking for cheap things to do in California, it doesn’t get better than this as it’s only $8 a ride.
10. Pinnacles National Park
Located about 80 miles south of San Jose, Pinnacles National Park is the perfect stop to stretch your legs between here and Southern California.
Here you’ll find signature dome-shaped rocks and one of the most unique hikes in the world.
Yes, it’s the Bear Gulch Cave Trail which takes you through two caves. Don’t forget your flashlight!
11. Death Valley National Park
Located Northeast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara is Death Valley, a land of unmatched beauty and extremes.
Be prepared for scorching daytime temperatures in the summer that average a sizzling 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).
Some highlights include Badwater, the lowest point in the park sitting almost 90 meters below sea level.
What makes this spot even more incredible is the collection of salt crystals, making this one of the most Instagrammable spots on this list.
If you thought that was incredible, wait till you see the Artist’s Drive. Take the 10-mile scenic journey, and you’ll see how it got its name.
Marvel at the amazing hues of gold, green, red, and purple on the rocks in the afternoon.
When day turns to night, lay your blanket down and go stargazing – Death Valley is one of the best spots in the world to do it.
12. Hike Up to The Hollywood Sign
Los Angeles, otherwise known as “The City of Angels”, is another popular destination in California.
Take a stroll down Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and explore the retro theaters.
If you don’t mind a bit of a hike, you can get a view of the entire city from the top of the Hollywood sign. It’s about a 6-mile hike and moderately difficult.
Los Angeles is also home to some beautiful beaches. Check out Santa Monica Pier for boardwalk rides and games.
The Venice Canals Walkway is also a unique site, purposely dug to invoke a vibe reminiscent of the Italian city.
13. Visit Disneyland
When mentioning a bucket list for California, how can we neglect Disneyland? Located in Orange County, it is a dream destination for kids and many adults as well.
Meet your favorite Disney character, eat unique treats, and jump on a thrilling ride. You’ll probably want to plan at least a whole day, if not two, for this stop.
14. Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Located east of Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park, an incredible natural desert park that looks like a scene out of the old west.
It’s one of the best parks for family adventures in California, featuring a wide range of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and even camping.
Stargazing is also quite popular at this park as they’re almost always dazzling during the night.
15. America’s Largest Urban Cultural Park
If San Diego is on your list of places to go, and especially if you have kids, you should check out Balboa Park.
America’s largest urban cultural park has something for everyone, including museums, educational and interactive playgrounds, botanical gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Wander around the park and enjoy the architecture of the Spanish Renaissance and the beautiful gardens. This is a place the whole family will enjoy.
16. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
California is known for its beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park shows it better than anywhere.
This 68-acre park extends a mile and a half along the western shoreline of the Point Loma Peninsula.
Enjoy the gorgeous ocean views and cliff formations, and see what southern California adventures and sunsets are all about.
17. Sail To Alcatraz Island
Feel the San Francisco breeze as you glide over the waves to Alcatraz Island, catching glimpses of sea lions lounging on buoys.
Your journey sets sail from the bustling city, cutting through the crisp ocean air towards the island that was once home to the nation’s most notorious criminals.
You’re about to explore the hallways where Al Capone and the Birdman once roamed. Yes, you’ll actually set foot inside the real-life fortress of mystery and intrigue!
18. Kelso Dunes in Mojave National Preserve
Located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the Mojave Trails National Monument covers 1.6 million acres.
The Mojave National Preserve is also enormous and home to cinder cone volcanoes, sand dunes, and a large Joshua tree forest. It is also home to coyotes, bats, bighorn sheep, and black-tailed jackrabbits.
Hiking along the sand dunes can be tiring, but the sweeping view from the top is worth it. You can even slide down once you’re done!
Go during the cooler parts of the day and savor the sunrise and sunset views.
19. Star Spotting on Rodeo Drive
Feel like mingling with the stars? Rodeo Drive is where dreams of bumping elbows with celebs get real.
Make sure to wander into those high-end retail stores like Prada or Louis Vuitton. Grab a bite at spots like Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen, where celebs have been known to dine.
20. Walk the Santa Monica Pier
If you’ve got sunshine on your mind and a stroll in your step, get ready to explore the Santa Monica Pier. It’s no regular walk—it’s a journey through a vibrant scene where the Pacific kisses the shore.
You’ll see the twirling Ferris wheel painting the sky with colors and street performers juggling and dancing their hearts out.
Try your luck at the arcade games, reel in a fish at the end of the pier, or relax on a bench and watch the sunset.
Just don’t forget to snap a photo by the iconic sign; it’s a must for your Cali scrapbook!
21. Visit The Broad
When you’re cruising around Los Angeles, you absolutely can’t skip a visit to The Broad. Rooms and halls are filled to the brim with colorful and thought-provoking artwork.
Pro Tip: Check out the free mobile guide for stories about the artwork you won’t hear anywhere else. Your visit turns into a backstage pass to the secrets of The Broad’s treasures.
22. Gardens at Huntington Library
Have you ever felt like you just needed to escape the buzz of the city? Walking through the Huntington Library’s Gardens is your answer.
With over a dozen themed gardens, there’s a surprise around every corner. It’s not all roses and daisies here—each garden has its own vibe.
The tranquil Japanese Garden, with its koi-filled ponds, is a silent poetry in motion. Get lost (in a good way) in the Rose Garden or daydream under the shade of a gigantic tree in the Palm Garden.
For history buffs, catch a glimpse of the past with rare books and manuscripts inside the library.
23. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a splash of wonders. Come face-to-face with playful sea otters, and sharks that glide like silent underwater shadows.
And then, lock eyes with a penguin; those tuxedoed comedians never miss a beat to show off.
Did you know your visit helps with research and conservation? Each ticket supports efforts to keep the ocean and its residents healthy and thriving.
Final Thoughts
They say the “West Coast is the Best Coast” and it’s not hard to see why. The natural beauty you find here is so diverse, with so many unforgettable sights.
Next up, let’s take a tasty tour to find the best burgers in California!
