The 10 Must-See Destinations for Visitors in California
California draws countless global visitors thanks to its renowned man-made attractions, natural playgrounds, and breathtaking landscapes, all celebrated worldwide.
Only in this state can you enjoy breathtaking coastal road trips, wander through a forest filled with the planet’s tallest trees, explore a lake perfect for year-round adventures, and discover enchanting theme parks alongside spectacular killer whale performances. For more details on the best attractions and activities in the Golden State, take a look at the top recommendations below.popular destinations to visit in California.
10. Redwood National Park[VIEW MAP]
The Redwood National Park offers far more than just towering trees. Across its expansive landscape of forests, waterways, and stunning coastal stretches, guests can explore numerous exciting outdoor adventures. The park’s visitor centers provide engaging exhibits, ranger-led hikes, and educational nature programs for all to enjoy.
Guests can enjoy horseback riding and mountain biking on groomed trails, casting lines for salmon and rainbow trout, or paddling kayaks along gentle rivers. Picturesque forest paths provide opportunities to marvel at towering redwood trees, local wildlife, and cascading waterfalls, while a coastal drive reveals stunning ocean vistas and occasional sightings of gray whales and seabirds.
9. SeaWorld San Diego[MAP REFERENCE]
Located in sunny San Diego, SeaWorld is known for its focus on marine life, thrilling rides, and live performances. Visitors can explore the planet’s oceans and the animals that live there, including dolphins, killer whales, walruses, penguins, and Polar bears, through exhibits, shows, and habitats.
Visitors can enjoy a flume roller coaster, navigate the Shipwreck Rapids on a raft, or take a simulated helicopter ride to explore the Wild Arctic. The highlight, though, is the Shamu Show, featuring synchronized fountains and impressive displays by skilled killer whales.
8. General Sherman[VIEW MAP]
General Sherman, a Giant Sequoia, stands in the Giant Forest within California’s Sequoia National Park. The Giant Forest is home to some of the world’s most massive trees. By volume, half of the ten largest trees globally can be found in this forest.
Standing at 275 feet tall, the General Sherman tree is the biggest among its kind. Estimates suggest its age ranges from 2,300 to 2,700 years.
7. Venice Beach[VIEW MAP]
Venice Beach stands out as one of the most frequented beaches in Los Angeles. Its expansive three-mile stretch of sand is just one of the many draws for visitors.
In the summer months and on weekends, the Ocean Front Walk becomes lively with street entertainers and visitors enjoying various activities: cycling, rollerblading, swimming, lounging in the sun, and observing others. Muscle Beach stands out as a dedicated zone where passionate bodybuilders lift weights, putting their strength on display for the public.
6. Dante’s View – Death Valley[MAP REFERENCE]
Perched atop the Black Mountains, Dante’s View is a lookout point providing breathtaking panoramas of Death Valley. This remarkable valley encompasses the lowest elevation in North America, Badwater Basin, along with some of the continent’s most scorching and arid regions. Just how extreme are the temperatures? At Furnace Creek in Death Valley, the mercury once soared to a blistering 134°F (57°C).
Due to the intense heat in Death Valley, it’s recommended that visitors explore Dante’s View in the early hours, particularly in the peak summer months. On days with good visibility, those at Dante’s View might catch sight of Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in the contiguous U.S., as well as Mt. Whitney, the highest peak.
5. Disneyland[VIEW MAP]
Situated in Anaheim, Disneyland is a globally renowned theme park where the stories and figures from Walt Disney films are brought to life in an enchanting, fantastical realm. With exhilarating attractions, high-speed roller coasters, spectacular performances, and vibrant neighborhoods filled with dining and retail options, Disneyland delivers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
In themed areas such as Main Street, USA, guests can travel back in time to the early 20th century, explore Tarzan’s Treehouse in Adventureland, or encounter Disney favorites like Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck in Mickey’s Toontown.
4. The stunning shoreline of Big Sur[VIEW MAP]
Spanning roughly 90 miles along California’s Central Coast lies one of the planet’s most breathtaking scenic drives. Big Sur, as it’s famously called, stretches from Carmel to the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains, showcasing unparalleled coastal beauty.
Each year, nearly 3 million motorists journey to Big Sur, primarily driving along the renowned Highway 1 to witness and capture images of some of the nation’s most breathtaking landscapes. Key highlights along the way feature the iconic 40-foot Point Sur Lighthouse, the towering Bixby Bridge—among the tallest single-span bridges globally—and the stunning 80-foot McWay Falls, which cascades straight into the Pacific.
3. Lake Tahoe[VIEW MAP]
Formed roughly 2 million years ago in the Ice Age, Lake Tahoe stands among the planet’s largest lakes. Situated on the boundary of California and Nevada, it is encircled by stunning mountain ranges. This well-known destination provides thrilling experiences and events throughout every season.
During the winter months, popular activities include snow skiing, snowmobile rides, snow-tubing, and snowshoeing at the local ski resorts. From spring through autumn, guests can partake in various water-based pastimes such as sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boating, and swimming.
2. Golden Gate Bridge[VIEW MAP]
The Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco stands as one of California’s and the nation’s top tourist destinations. Stretching across the San Francisco Bay for over a mile, this iconic structure ranks among the most photographed bridges globally.
The iconic red-orange hue of the bridge was intentionally selected to enhance its visibility in the dense fog that often envelops it. The bridge’s grandeur can be appreciated by driving, strolling, biking, or joining a guided tour to explore its fascinating historical background.
1. Tunnel View – Yosemite National Park[REFER TO MAP]
Situated in Yosemite National Park within the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central eastern California, Tunnel View serves as a scenic vantage point offering breathtaking vistas of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, and the stunning Yosemite Valley.
Constructed in 1993, the overlook underwent renovations in 2008. Tunnel View draws significant attention from park guests, with daily visits ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 at the peak of the tourist season. Located at the eastern terminus of the Wawona Tunnel along Wawona Road, Tunnel View is easily accessible to travelers.
