Pristine landscapes, gorgeous beaches, towering buildings, tons of palm trees, and a prime coastal location, California is a destination you can go back to again and again for a different and unique experience every time.
Whether you’re planning the perfect California road trip, or you’re looking for the perfect weekend away, you’ll find some really great spots in our list of the best cities to visit in California.
California is the third-largest state in North America and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S.. From the glitz and glam of Los Angeles to the many varied wine regions, the Golden State has something for every kind of traveler; whether you love beaches, wineries, or high-end shopping.
Unsure which cities to add to your vacation itinerary? We’ll take you on a journey to highlight the various exciting cities to visit in California.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
» You might also like 50 Essentials for Your California Packing List and 15 California Travel Tips.
Best Time to Visit
One of California’s key attractions is the near idyllic weather throughout the year. The best months to visit this state, however, are from April to May (Spring) and September to October (Fall).
Both these options offer good temperatures and fewer crowds to ensure you visit at an appropriate time without flocks of eager tourists. From the wildflower season in spring to grape harvest in the fall, California will be sure to be an exceptional visit in any season.
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Best Cities in California to Explore
This state has been classified as The Golden State since 1968 due to its various gold-associated qualities. This includes the gold rush in 1848 and the honey-dripped sunsets over the coast. A masterful compilation of mixing the past with the present, the following cities will offer a kaleidoscope of the best things to do in California.
1. Los Angeles
Aptly dubbed the ‘City of Angels’, this cultural haven is one of the coolest cities in California and is bespeckled with scenes to explore. From sipping artisanal cocktails on rooftop bars to designer window shopping in Rodeo Drive, LA is the perfect city to visit if you love the finer things in life.
Make your way to the Hollywood Hills for a day of epic stargazing (or should we say celebrity sightings?). If you’re looking for the full Tinseltown experience, including famous movie locations and celebrity homes, embark on a Hollywood open-bus tour for a star-studded excursion.
Everywhere you look there is something to do in Los Angeles. If you are looking to beat the heat and get indoors check out these free museums. There are plenty of easy hikes and some that are a bit more strenuous. Looking for those famous LA views? Here are 12 scenic viewpoints and places to to take the perfect shot of the Hollywood Sign to feast your eyes on.
Among the glam lies the carefree bohemian lifestyle of Venice Beach — the best spot to visit to experience a lively atmosphere. Fully delving into the cowabunga spirit, this region is a superb place for travelers looking to catch some waves and relax on some fine beaches.
» Try this tour: Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
2. San Francisco
Whether you know the city from its old-fashioned cable cars or hilly façade, one thing’s for sure – San Francisco is a top contender for the best city in California. From ‘Little Italy’ in North Beach to the tech mecca of Silicon Valley, San Francisco is a must-see city due to its wide selection of diverse regions to experience.
The neighborhood of North Beach is a popular spot to visit. From the satisfying crack of crab legs from nearby restaurants and bakeries, to the serene views of swaying boats, the salt-tinted air of this space is simply mesmerizing.
One of the city’s most iconic sights includes the magnificent Art Deco creation of the Golden Gate Bridge. This suspension bridge is much more than a structure to get from point A to point B – it represents the very spirit of this thriving city. Embark on a Golden Gate Bay Cruise to capture its beauty on the water. Check out the San Francisco CityPASS for admission to top attractions.
» Try this tour: The One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz
3. San Diego
In 1769 a small Spanish colony became the first European settlement in California. It is often referred to as the birthplace of this great state. One of the most beautiful cities in California, the urban playground of San Diego is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a beach vacation with a twist.
Make your way through the intricate tapestry of San Diego’s neighborhoods and delve into a wide array of nooks and crannies to explore. If you’re looking for the best things to see in California, Balboa Park is embellished with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and has up to 17 museums to explore.
If you’re a beer lover, San Diego is definitely the place to be. With over 150 breweries in the county, San Diego is considered by many to be the craft beer capital of the world. It’s also a foodie town and a great place to experience a food tour.
Balboa Park has various famous attractions in the vicinity to experience and enjoy. A San Diego Zoo tour is a great experience for travelers who love animals. This walk on the wild side endeavor includes an interactive excursion with some of the cutest critters in the world.
For outdoor fun, visit one of the 31 beaches and over 70 miles of beachfront San Diego has to offer. There are some unique and diverse hikes in San Diego for those set on getting outdoors and enjoying the fair weather. And, if you love to wander, there are 7 National Parks near San Diego.
» Try this tour: Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket in San Diego
4. Long Beach
With the soft sparkle of the ocean and golden beaches as far as the eye can see, Long Beach will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a beachside postcard. Long Beach is at the top of the list of the best city to visit in California. These sandy shores are lined with stylish boutiques and various top-notch brunch spots to shop and sip your day away in style.
One of the main attractions of this city is the Aquarium of the Pacific, situated in Rainbow Harbor. With over a hundred exhibits to discover the secrets of the deep, this activity provides an educational adventure for ocean-loving travelers.
» Try this tour: Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon
5. Sacramento
Known as the capital of California, no journey to The Golden State is complete without a visit to this cultural gem. This unique city exports produce from over 1.5 million acres of farmland to various cities all over the US.
With farm-to-table goodies and organic produce, Sacramento has an abundance of culinary treats to experience. From farmer’s markets to top-tier restaurants, this city is sure to make any culinary connoisseur swoon.
One of the top attractions in the city is the California State Railroad Museum. This activity is an excellent choice for travelers wanting to learn about the transcontinental railroad and the thought-provoking history that surrounds it.
6. Napa
A sanctuary among the industrialized metropolises, Napa is a slice of paradise that is the perfect addition to your travels if you need some TLC. Famous for its unparalleled wineries, located in the bountiful hills of Napa Valley, this city has it all. You will find it easy to visit this beautiful area with 4 airports within 80 miles.
Napa has a riveting riverside promenade peppered with quaint eateries and shops to explore. Make your way to the Oxbow Public Market to taste the very essence of the region. From exquisite oysters to homemade cheese, you’re in for an epic gastronomic experience.
Incorporating the charm of country life with a dash of chicness, Napa has endless possibilities to experience the perfect California vacation. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Marriott Napa Valley Hotel has excellent proximity to the famous Napa Valley vineyards.
While you’re in Napa, you really have to pop over to its neighbor, Sonoma, which is just 20 miles to the west and has some of the area’s most laid back wineries. Both regions are known for their award-winning wines, stunning scenery, and endless opportunities for wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it difficult to choose which one to visit. Compare the differences here.
» Try this tour: Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley
7. Sonoma
You can’t talk about Napa without mentioning Sonoma too. It’s one of the other big wine areas in California that you must visit. Located just to the west of Napa, it covers an entire region, not just the city of Sonoma.
In fact, there are a number of great cities in this region that are all worth visiting, like Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Geyserville. Sonoma is a historic city known for its art galleries and the colonial-era Sonoma Plaza. Surrounding this plaza are significant 19th-century adobe buildings including Mission San Francisco Solano and the Sonoma Barracks
There are so many wineries in this region that you could spend weeks discovering it all. One of the fun ways you can explore a cluster of wineries is on a bike tour through the vineyards. We love Kendall Jackson, J Vintners, Rodney Strong, and Gundlach Bundschu.
Want to bring some wine home with you? Check out these 3 shipping options when visiting Napa Valley and Sonoma.
Try this tour: Sonoma Wine Rides — Sonoma County Wine Tasting Tours
8. Palm Springs
A popular pick for individuals in their senior years, Palm Springs is much more than a prime retirement location. Located among the tumbleweeds of the Sonoran Desert, this city is a great choice if you’re looking to add something unique to your travel itinerary.
Great news, there is a local airport that is just minutes from downtown Palm Springs.
Palm Springs is a beautiful desert oasis that offers fun and relaxation for everyone. From hiking and biking to golfing and swimming, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in this sunny city. And with 300+ days of sunshine a year, it’s an outdoor-lovers paradise. The possibilities are endless for things to do around the Palm Springs area.
From the healing properties of hot springs to the lavish landscapes of various green golf courses, this resort city is the epitome of relaxation. Among the rocky formations of an Indian Canyons hike, you’ll find the largest grove of California palms in the world.
» Try this tour: San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
9. Santa Barbara
Located among the striking Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a coastal wonderland like no other. With deep turquoise waters dipped in a small-town feel, this city is a top choice for travelers seeking to enjoy adventures with some beautiful backdrops, luxury hotels, and amazing wine to go with it.
Whether you prefer sipping fine wine while the sun sets on the shimmering bay, hiking in some of the most picturesque country, or you’re looking to sail the seas for some whale watching, you’re in for a treat.
Ready to embark on an island adventure? Santa Barbara is situated close to Channel Islands National Park. This network of five islands is filled to the brim with outdoor activities, such as kayaking and scuba diving.
If you’re planning a trip for the future and want to know what is the best time to visit Santa Barbara, book a food or wine tour, we have the information you need to make the most of your trip.
» Try this tour: Downtown Santa Barbara Food Tour
10. Santa Cruz
Spotting the picturesque view of the Walton Lighthouse from a distance, you know you’ve made it to the blissful serenity of Santa Cruz. From gnarly waves to surf, to the sprightly vibe of the downtown area, this seaside city is a must for sun-seeking travelers.
With a summer vacation feel almost all year round, you’ll have a blast at some of the best beaches California has to offer. Cowell Beach is known as a surfer’s paradise and is the ultimate spot for beginners to learn the basics.
This coastal city has a laid-back vibe and there’s no shortage of fun things to do. One of the main attractions to visit is the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Crafty caricatures, fun arcades, and the chime of children laughing, this is the place to be to feel your cheeks ache from smiling. This excursion provides fun for the whole family and who can resist a funnel cake or two?
If your idea of fun is enjoying an afternoon of beer or wine tasting, then you are going to love Santa Cruz. There is such an amazing vibe surrounding both. We especially loved the westside. The breweries here focus on creating unique small-batch quality beers in many different styles.
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is home to over 70 wineries and is known for its rugged terrain, redwood forests, and cool coastal climate. It is the ideal location for growing high-quality grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
» Try this tour: Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz
11. Fresno
Serving as a living example of the quaint side of the American dream, filled with ever-green fruit orchards and a booming art scene, Fresno is the place to be. This agricultural dominant city is the perfect escape for travelers in need of a break from the bright lights of big cities.
Located in the San Joaquin Valley, this city provides ample opportunity to get back in touch with nature. The Woodward Park is a superb place for nature-lovers, which includes five-mile walking trails to sensational flora finds in the Shinzen Japanese Garden.
If you’re looking for unique places to visit in California, the Forestiere Underground Gardens will offer a memorable experience. These gardens are underground tunnels that were excavated and carved by a single man over a period of 40 years.
12. Monterey
Monterey is one of the oldest city in California, having been founded in 1770. It’s one of the most gorgeous seaside towns you’ll ever visit. In my opinion, the best way to visit Monterey is by car. Just driving through the Monterey Peninsula, with all of its beautiful scenery and old Spanish architecture, can be an experience of a lifetime.
The beaches are amazing with their rugged beauty, the rocky outcroppings, the high dunes, and cliffsides that jut out dramatically into the ocean. It’s scenery you won’t find anywhere else and it’s unique, even to other California beaches.
There are so many other great things to experience in Monterey, like:
- Discover Old Fisherman’s Wharf with its great restaurants, seafood, unique shops, and whale watching.
- Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium with over 200 award-winning galleries and exhibits and approximately 550 different species of marine life.
- Play golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links which has repeatedly been ranked the No. 1 Public Course in America.
- Take one of the numerous whale watching boat cruises to see Grey and Killer whales, dolphins, turtles, porpoises, sea lions and more.
- Take the incredibly scenic 17-mile drive past Pebble Beach
- Go wine tasting in nearby Carmel by the Sea, one of the cutest little towns you’ll ever visit.
» Try this tour: 3-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey
13. Pasadena
No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, you can find it in or near Pasadena. This is due in large part to its location, which is just to the north of Los Angeles. The downtown area is known for its Victorian and art deco buildings.
The city itself has over four hundred restaurants that serve almost any type of food that you can imagine, dozens of art galleries and antique shops, fine museums like the Huntington Library and the Norton Simon Museum of Art.
Visit the campus of CalTech, go to one of California’s largest swap meets at the Rose Bowl, or go for a hike in the Santa Anita Canyon, or just sit in an outdoor restaurant in Pasadena’s famous “Old Town” and people watch.
» Try this tour: Official Hollywood Sign Hike: Walk to the Hollywood Sign
14. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is situated on the central coast of California just about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. There are no large attractions, theme parks or crowds of people, just twenty three miles of beautiful sandy, uncrowded beaches and sand dunes surrounded by golf courses, wooded areas and small towns.
If you’re considering taking a trip to Pismo Beach, you can find all kinds of fun things to do. Lie on one of San Luis Counties many white sand beaches and soaking up the sun.
Go whale watching for gray, humpback and killer whales. View dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, pelicans and seagulls. See huge colonies of giant elephant seals up close and personal, dig your own clams for lunch or dinner, visit one of the most spectacular Monarch Butterfly Groves in the country, spend a leisurely day fishing off the 1200 foot pier.
» While you are there, try your hand at surfing with these Pismo Beach, California, Surf Lessons.
15. Carmel
Just south of Monterey lies the beach city of Carmel, also known as Carmel-By-the-Sea. Although the city has a population of less than 4,000 people it has over 90 art galleries, numerous antique shops, 14 churches, more than 50 hotels, resorts and inns, 2 golf courses, several restaurants and outdoor cafes, over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms, and numerous souvenir and boutique shops.
Carmel is on the Monterey Peninsula and is surrounded by beautiful towns and sights like Monterey, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Point Lobos, and Pacific Grove, 17 Mile Drive, and some of the world’s best golf courses.
Carmel really feels like a getaway from everything. The town is very charming and small, very walkable, and there are plenty of things to do for a weekend getaway.
If you have time, you really should make the 25 minute drive out to the Carmel Valley. The Carmel Valley is one of the best regions to go for wine tasting in California, especially if you’re looking for family-owned, boutique wineries with a welcoming, country feel to them. If it’s foggy in Carmel more often then not you can find the sun in the Carmel Valley.
» Try this tour: Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea
16. Newport Beach
Newport Beach, home to Newport Harbor and Balboa Island, is fifty miles from Los Angeles, fourteen miles from Disneyland in Anaheim and thirty miles from Catalina Island. It’s a great place to get away from it all but still have it all. It is a small, affluent city full of fun things to do and surrounded by major attractions.
Spend some time at the clean sandy beaches, cruise the large smooth water harbor while viewing the large yachts and multi million dollar homes, charter a sport fishing boat, rent a sail boat, take a ride in a gondola, visit the many gift shops, art galleries and sidewalk cafes on Balboa Island.
Visit the boardwalk shops and restaurants at Newport Pier, visit or take a swim at Pirates Cove, which is best known for the filming of Gilligans Island, go hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving or surfing at Crystal Cove State Park or catch a ride to Catalina Island.
» Try this tour: Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
17. Santa Monica
The beach city of Santa Monica has an average year round temperature of about 68 degrees F, good air quality, 245 acres of state beach, amazing hiking, over 3,800 hotel rooms, numerous restaurants and abundant shopping. It’s not only a destination for millions of Southern California day-trippers, it is also a popular destination for vacationers from all over the United States and the world for its abundance of things to do.
The city is also home to the Santa Monica Pier, where you can fish day and night, watch the waves, view the wonders of the undersea world at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, dance under the stars to music from big name bands and musicians (summers, Thursday nights only), ride the Ferris wheel, ride a carousel horse or a roller coaster, dine in an ocean view restaurant, entertain yourself at an arcade, watch street performers, jugglers and rollerbladers, and shop for souvenirs.
It’s truly a gorgeous city and when you stay there, you’ll definitely understand the appeal of living in California with it’s gorgeous beaches and perfect weather.
18. Ventura
You might not have heard of Ventura before. Its not one of the regulars on the California travel list. Originally called San Buenaventura, this small city has been overlooked for a long time, and that’s probably just how the locals prefer it. But it’s changed quite a bit over the years and is now a destination not to miss.
Located halfway between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara, Ventura is one of the last remaining untouched beaches. There are very few resorts here, and the beach – which is almost always uncrowded – still very much belongs to the locals. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful and uncrowded place to hang out on the beach, this is definitely where you should go.
The Main Street has gone to pedestrian only and the number of great restaurants, and shops that line the street are ever increasing. There are also 11 craft breweries in Ventura, which is perfect for a beer crawl. Check out all of the fun things to do in this unexpected gem of a destination.
19. Solvang
I love the small city of Solvang, not just because it’s one of the cutest towns in California, but because it’s also an epicenter for wine in the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s known for its Danish-style architecture, with windmills and wooden beamed storefronts that feel like you’ve slipped into another place, though it’s just 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara.
Aside from wine tasting, there are many great art galleries, restaurants, and shopping venues to explore. Mom-and-pop restaurants and local cafes line the streets between the shops, as do a number of tasting rooms featuring Rhone, Burgundian and Bordeaux-style wines.
During September, you can take part in the town’s popular event, Danish Days. It’s a unique event that includes Viking-age re-enactments, Danish food specialties, beer and wine gardens, and parade of Danish costumes and horse-drawn wagons.
20. Paso Robles
Another of the great wine regions in California can be found in and around Paso Robles. Paso Robles is located approximately halfway between the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a popular stopping off point for road trippers or for weekend warriors from each of those cities.
The city is known for its thermal hot springs, its abundance of wineries, its production of olive oil, almond orchards, and for playing host to the California Mid-State Fair.
I personally love to visit for the wine tasting. When you get out on Vineyard Drive, which wraps around the countryside to the west of the city, and you start seeing all the winery signs as you drive along, it’s hard not to get excited. Definitely hit up Daou and Adelaida Vineyards, two of my all-time favorites.
» Try this tour: Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Paso Robles, CA
21. Malibu
Located west of Los Angeles on the coast of southern California, the name Malibu brings to mind beaches, bikinis, and beer – and maybe movie stars too. Boasting an astounding 21 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, it’s one of the most popular beachside towns in America.
One of the geographic highlights of this area is that most of the Malibu beaches facing south – offering a touch of paradise for those who love the sun. As long as you walk below the high tide line, you can walk the beaches in front of many of the homes belonging to the rich and famous. You never know who you might bump into on the beach.
Although Malibu isn’t a place to find attractions and theme parks, it is a place where you can enjoy some of the finest coastal views that the world offers, and the area is not without a few highlights – including the Malibu Pier which was damaged by storm, but has now been restored, and the Sierra Retreat with it’s beautiful gardens.
» Try this tour: Small-Group Malibu Wine Hike
22. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is like no other place on earth, with street vendors hawking their wares, beautiful waves crashing on the golden beaches, and artist’s easels as far as the eye can see. Originally built at the very beginning of the 20th century, Venice Beach has gone through a lot of changes and growth in the last century.
The beauty of the area has meant that many artists have moved to the Venice Beach area. Aside from the paintings on easels there are also murals on almost every building, and even the lifeguard towers for the beach have been decorated. Everywhere you look you’ll see evidence of an artistic community.
It has a long, colorful history that is still be changed and added to today—visit Venice and see history in the making for yourself.
23. La Jolla
Attracting tourists from all over the world, La Jolla’s community is one that combines trends with traditional class. Located 12 miles north from downtown San Diego, this highly prosperous community offers seven miles of coastline at an elevation of 110 feet.
The lucky 38,000 plus who live in this heavenly seaside town live among Mediterranean style architecture with a unique flair. From the crashing waves along the shore to the high rise buildings in the business district, you can expect everything in La Jolla to be first rate quality.
Even though this area is rather small, the district is full of trendy establishments. You can visit jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir shops, and fashionable boutiques.
La Jolla offers some of the most impressive shore lines in Southern California, with remarkable
caves, cliffs, beaches, and sunsets. When visiting, you’ll want to walk along the waterfront and see the sea lions. Just to the east of the Cove, you can find La Jolla’s famous Seven Sea Caves.
»Try these tours:
24. San Jose
Situated in the very south of the San Francisco Bay, San Jose is a beacon of technology, innovation and modern culture. With a population larger than that of neighboring San Francisco, San Jose is the epicenter of Silicon Valley’s booming tech and dot-com business.
San Jose is the ideal starting point from which to explore the many beautiful regions of the southern peninsula and Pacific Coast. Flying into San Jose is also an excellent alternative for accessing the wonderful southern San Francisco Bay Area, including the beaches of Half Moon Bay, the wilderness of Año Nuevo State Reserve, and the halls of Stanford University.
Downtown San Jose is bustling with exquisite fine dining, jumpin’ jazz clubs and some excellent boutique designer shopping. San Jose’s Center for Performing Arts invites you to indulge your senses with highly acclaimed shows ranging from ballet and symphony to opera and theater.
While in downtown make sure to catch the one-of-a-kind Tech Museum of Innovation, featuring an IMAX theater, exceptional cutting-edge exhibits and hands-on activities to engage the children.
Final Thoughts on the Exciting Cities to Visit in California
The hair-raising, earth-shaking, titillating rise of excitement in your stomach is sparked by things that make life worth living. From the tranquil landscapes of Fresno to the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, the excitement of life lies in unexplored cities.
What are you waiting for? Live to the melodic tune of life today by booking your next flight to visit the amazing cities of California.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.
