Best Places to Visit in California for 2024

Sitting about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, this island paradise isn't hard to reach – the Catalina Express ferry will get you here in an hour from Long Beach – but it will be hard to leave. Boasting everything from American bison (which roam the interior of the island) to upscale boutiques and restaurants in Avalon, Catalina Island constantly wows travelers with its diverse offerings and unparalleled natural beauty. Whether you're planning a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway, there are countless ways to spend your time here, from zip lining and snorkeling to lounging on the beach.

Straddling the California-Nevada border roughly 40 miles outside of Reno, Lake Tahoe is one of Northern California's greatest treasures. Regardless of when you visit, you'll find ample ways to enjoy the outdoors. In winter, Lake Tahoe's panoramic snow-capped mountains beckon to skiers, and when summer hits, locals rent boats in droves as a way to unwind on the lake. Even if your goal is to simply relax, don't leave without a light stroll or hike through Emerald Bay State Park for some of the best views of the lake.

Featuring 40 miles of rocky coastline and towering redwood trees, Redwood National and State Parks is located near the California-Oregon border. Popular activities include hiking, biking and camping. You don't have to journey far to see the massive trees the park has to offer; the Big Tree Wayside requires just a five- to 10-minute stroll. Families should consider the 2.5-mile Trillium Falls Trail to see small waterfalls, while the most daring visitors can secure permits to hike to Tall Trees Grove, which climbs 1,600 feet in elevation. Thankfully, there's plenty to see from the comfort of your car, too. Take a winding drive along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, or head to Klamath River Overlook to spot whales, birds and other marine life.

Located in Monterey County in central California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is an idyllic coastal town where vacationers can unwind with delicious wine tastings, calming seaside views and top-notch cuisine (Carmel has the most restaurants per capita of any small city in the U.S.). The 1-square-mile retreat offers visitors their pick of cozy inns and pampering hotels; the perfect home base from which to explore the village's quaint streets, art galleries, boutiques and white sand beach. Other popular activities include hikes through Point Lobos State Natural Reserve located just south of the town, as well as leisurely sightseeing tours on foot and by bicycle.

If you've never thought of the Golden State as a ski destination (beyond Lake Tahoe), Mammoth Lakes might change your mind. Nestled in the Eastern Sierra region, Mammoth Lakes is home to the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, the highest ski resort in the state. In winter, the region's 150-plus trails welcome skiers, ice skaters and snowboarders in droves. When the temperatures rise and the snow melts, vacationers can try other outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, paddleboarding and taking a dip in the area's hot springs.

One of the country's most popular national parks is located about 170 miles east of San Francisco. Yosemite National Park offers every adventure activity you can possibly think of, from low-impact activities like fishing and bird-watching to daredevil pursuits, such as rock climbing and rafting. Whatever you choose to do, don't leave without exploring can't-miss sites like Tunnel View overlook, Half Dome and Vernal Fall. Stick around until nighttime to gaze at the clear, starry sky.

San Diego is Southern California at its finest (think: pleasant weather year-round, endless stretches of surf-friendly shorelines and some of the best Mexican food in the USA). During the day, check out tourist attractions like Balboa Park (where many of the city's museums reside), the USS Midway Museum (which is housed in an aircraft carrier) and the San Diego Zoo (widely considered one of the best zoos in the country). Later, watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park or on a whale watching tour.

Monterey's stunning natural beauty and small-town soul are what keep travelers coming back again and again. Located in central California about 40 miles south of Santa Cruz, Monterey is awash with picture-perfect beaches and charming seaside neighborhoods. It's also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the country. But no visit would be complete without exploring the surrounding area. Check out Pebble Beach to hit the links at its world-renowned golf courses or explore the landscape on the scenic 17-Mile Drive.

If you want an eyeful of the state's iconic, towering sequoias during your California vacation, there's no better place to visit than Sequoia National Park. These magnificent trees are native to the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California. The Giant Forest, the park's main attraction, features 8,000-plus sequoias, which stand as tall as the average height of a 26-story building. You'll also stumble upon the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume.

Oceanfront Santa Cruz is a laid-back destination located about 45 miles north of Monterey. Plan to spend plenty of time outdoors here; the county boasts more than 14 state parks, beaches for surfing and swimming, pick-your-own-fruit farms and theme park rides galore at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. For scenic Pacific Ocean views, go for a walk or bike ride along West Cliff Drive, or for an even more unique experience, take a train ride with Roaring Camp Railroads to see sky-high redwood trees from a different vantage point.

No matter what time of year you decide to visit this rugged alpine town, you'll be treated to scenic mountain vistas and plenty of outdoor adventures. Nestled about 80 miles northwest of Palm Springs in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake (one of the top lakes in California) is popular for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities. In summer, enjoy adventurous pursuits like hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, and in winter, go skiing and snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain Resort. When you need a break from all the action, check out the shops and restaurants at The Village at Big Bear Lake.

Head to Kings Canyon National Park if you want to see more of California's famous sequoias after visiting Yosemite and Sequoia national parks. The park's most famous tree is the General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree in the world by volume. Named after former President Ulysses S. Grant in 1867, the tree has been lovingly designated "the Nation's Christmas Tree" since 1926. Aside from admiring Kings Canyon's sequoias, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing, among other activities.

San Francisco brims with life everywhere you go. Whether you're zipping around on a cable car, exploring one of the city's many culturally eclectic neighborhoods, admiring towering redwoods near the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or diving fork first into its world-renowned food scene (you'll find dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants here), San Francisco's energy is always downright electric. After a busy day of exploring top sights like Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz Island, head to the beautiful and tranquil Golden Gate Park to relax.

This awe-inspiring destination at the edge of the Pacific Ocean features scenery so spellbindingly beautiful, it has the habit of putting travelers into a trance. Spanning 90 miles of rugged coastline between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon (best captured at the iconic Bixby Bridge), Big Sur offers numerous hiking trails that weave in and out of the area's mountains and valleys, as well as pathways that lead to wild, seemingly untouched beaches. Don't know where to start? Turn to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a go-to for many first-time Big Sur travelers thanks to its old-growth redwood groves, sandy coves and breathtaking 80-foot waterfall.

From celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Miley Cyrus to cultural icons (think: Barbie), many have called this quintessential California beach town home – and it's easy to see why. Sitting less than 15 miles west of Santa Monica, Malibu offers gorgeous stretches of sand, such as Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach, which appeal to both sunbathers and surfers. Meanwhile, the Malibu Pier is a great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the view. Away from the shore, visitors can see ancient Greek and Roman antiquities at the Getty Villa or sample wines during a wine hike or a bus tour.

For a quiet reprieve from city life, check out the quaint coastal community of Half Moon Bay, which lies approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco. When you're not lounging at the town's namesake beach, which boasts 4 miles of sandy shoreline, stroll along the scenic Coastside Trail for terrific views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills. When hunger starts to set in, head downtown for a bite to eat at one of Half Moon Bay's local restaurants before indulging in a glass of wine at one of the destination's wineries.

Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara is a favorite of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise for a reason. The city, which is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offers mild weather year-round that's perfect for soaking up some sun on its palm tree-lined beaches. It's also known as a haven for creative types and for its food scene – especially its fresh seafood and produce – and top-notch wine. The Funk Zone district is full of art galleries and tasting rooms, many of which are part of Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail.

Laguna Beach is the perfect destination if you're looking for a small-town, Southern California experience. Situated between LA and San Diego, Laguna Beach offers an array of scenic beaches – both big and small, remote and central – that'll keep visitors occupied for days. Main Beach and Crescent Bay are a couple of local favorites, though travelers also highly recommend taking a trip to the wild shores of Crystal Cove State Park. For a break from the sun, pop into one of downtown's art galleries or boutiques.

Napa Valley, well known for its robust cabernet sauvignon, reigns supreme as one of the best wine destinations in the world. It is also a major luxury hot spot. Not only is the valley filled to the brim with impressive hotels, but you'll also find several Michelin-starred dining establishments. While Napa is perfect for a romantic getaway, there are even a few kid-friendly wineries, including Castello di Amorosa, a 14th-century Tuscan castle that serves young ones grape juice instead of wine. When you're ready to walk off all of that food and wine, venture to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park for a light hike.

Sitting approximately 130 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park’s roughly 800,000 acres are excellent for enjoying outdoor activities. Visitors can tackle some of the park's thousands of rock climbing routes or explore dozens of hiking trails, though they should be mindful of the weather – many of the paths should not be attempted on especially hot days. Other must-do activities include biking, horseback riding and stargazing; this International Dark Sky Park offers little light pollution, making it a superb place to admire the Milky Way.

Point Reyes National Seashore's 70,000-plus acres beckon to wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. This protected area about 40 miles northwest of San Francisco offers ample opportunities to see hundreds of animal species, including elephant seals, gray whales and nearly 490 kinds of birds. Visitors can also explore various beaches, wander down to the Point Reyes Lighthouse and hike some of the area's miles of trails, including the Earthquake Trail, which travels along the San Andreas Fault.

This ranking would not be complete without mentioning Anaheim, home to "The Happiest Place on Earth." Disneyland Resort is the star attraction and the main reason why travelers make the nearly 30-mile trek here from Los Angeles. Another more budget-friendly amusement park worth a visit is Adventure City. Outside the theme parks, visitors can enjoy some grub at the Anaheim Packing District food court or watch a major league baseball game at Angel Stadium.

Situated about 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica easily stands alone as its own must-visit destination. This beachfront city is equipped with ample hotels, restaurants and shops in addition to its star attractions: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier (an oceanfront amusement park), and the family-friendly Santa Monica State Beach. After a day of fun in the sand, shop till you drop at the popular Third Street Promenade, an outdoor pedestrian-only mall featuring several boutiques, eateries and entertainment options, before heading to Palisades Park for an unforgettable Southern California sunset.

Located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo often serves as a stopping point during road trips between the two cities. But this small town is worth a longer stay. With art galleries, museums, parks and a central district filled with shops, SLO offers plenty to see and do. Looking to satisfy your taste buds? SLO is packed with highly regarded wineries, breweries and restaurants and even hosts a popular farmers market every Thursday night. Visitors can also take a daytrip to William Randolph Hearst's lavish estate, the 165-room Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

The City of Angels is really as dreamy as they say. While you'll no doubt contend with the city's infamous bumper-to-bumper traffic during your stay, knowing you have world-famous hot spots like Hollywood and Beverly Hills at your fingertips will leave you exhilarated. If you love film and TV, save time for touring Paramount Pictures Studios and Warner Bros. Studio, then snap pics of the TCL Chinese Theatre as you stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, plan to visit lesser-known, locally loved gems like Grand Central Market and Griffith Park.

Bearing the exclusive title of the lowest, hottest and driest place in the United States, Death Valley National Park deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list. This one-of-a-kind destination straddling the California-Nevada border can be experienced on a self-guided auto tour of Badwater Road or Artists Drive, or by hiking the popular Dante's View trail. Other must-do activities in Death Valley include viewing exhibits at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point and stargazing from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. For the best weather, arrive between November and March (in summer, the park's average daytime temperature can often surpass 120 degrees).