Top 13+ places to visit in California that prove this state is truly golden

“The best places to visit in California?” a proud Californian might say, lighting up with glee. “Where do I begin?” You may have heard folks from California brag about the geographical diversity of their not-so-little corner of the world. Theirs is a place where you can go from sun-drenched beach to snow-capped mountain top to sprawling desert all in one day. The pure size of the state may intimidate at first; it takes up significantly more space than the entire country of Italy. Still, California is worth the undertaking.

There are bucket list spots aplenty in the Golden State—and many are well suited for every member of the family. (Road trip, anyone?) Several different flavors of desert lie in Southern California, with vast arid landscapes and night skies clearer than you've ever seen. Head further north and you'll find fog, stunning mountain ranges, and moody ocean cliffs. From redwoods to Joshua trees, kitschy towns to asphalt jungles, these are some of the best places to visit in California, which serve up views that rival some of the best in the world and experiences you'll be bursting at the seams to share.

For fans of the Californian desert, nothing beats a quick weekend to Joshua Tree.

1. Joshua Tree

There is something undeniably magical about the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree. Named for the very trees that dot its horizons, Joshua Tree encompasses both a town and national park within the Mojave Desert. Cordon off a few days to explore the sprawling park, the artsy surrounding communities, and to recharge in the peace of nature.

2. Catalina Island

A simple 45-minute ferry from Long Beach is Santa Catalina Island, colloquially known as Catalina. There's a reason we called the place “one of LA's best-kept secrets”—and one of the Best Places to Go in 2026. At only 75-square miles, it's perfect for a day or weekend trip. There's plenty to do, whether you opt to rent a golf cart, lounge at the Descanso Beach Club, camp at Two Harbours, jet ski through dolphin-filled waters, or book an expedition to see the local herds of bison.

The “Danish capital of America” can be found in California's Santa Ynez Valley.

3. Solvang, Santa Ynez Valley

Sorry, kids, we have Europe at home. At least that's what Solvang feels like. The town, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, considers itself the “Danish capital of America.” The city's central blocks have been built to mimic classic Danish architecture, windmills and all. Its streets are lined with themed shops, so you can feel like a tourist of the old country without even needing a passport.

4. Yosemite National Park

This is a bucket-list destination for anyone who appreciates the might and beauty of the natural world. At 1,200 square miles, Yosemite boasts famous waterfalls, granite cliffs, crystal-blue lakes, and deep, vast valleys. It's a dream for hikers and campers, but there's plenty of grandeur to experience even for those a bit less inclined to roughing it.

One of the best beaches in California can be found in Big Sur, a gorgeous stretch of the state's central coast.

5. Big Sur

There is an argument to be made that Big Sur ranks as one of the most beautiful places in the world. All misty redwoods, craggy ocean cliffs, and incomparable seaside views, this 90-mile stretch of California's central coast is absolutely unmissable. Be sure to stop by Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and the purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach, one of the best beaches in California.

6. The 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach

California is hardly lacking in scenic vistas, and some of its most breathtaking lie along the Monterey Peninsula. Travelers will no doubt be wowed by the area's white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and twisting cypress trees. An easy way to see it all in one day is with a slow, winding excursion down Pebble Beach's 17-Mile Drive. Some of the most worthwhile stops include Spanish Bay Beach, the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and the Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point.

A thriving arts scene, striking natural landscapes, and a fairy tale spirit come together in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

7. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea might as well be out of a storybook. A quaint town filled with fairy tale cottages, whimsical (and walkable!) streets, and ocean views, Carmel is as picturesque as it comes. The city is rich in arts history and surrounded by natural beauty. It also happens to lie just next door to the 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach.

8. Palm Springs

There's a reason Palm Springs is one of Los Angeleno's tried and true escapes from the city. This desert oasis is home to plentiful opportunities to alternately party or recharge. Looking to golf all day? Relax at the pool, or a spa? Hit a quirky diner and do some shopping? Spend the night partying with drag queens? Palm Springs has it all, including a storied Hollywood history and no lack of mid-century eye candy.

If you want to take a hot air balloon ride in the Napa Valley, be sure to do so before all those glasses of wine.

9. Napa Valley

Cradled between two mountain ranges, with a dry Mediterranean climate and a wide diversity of soil types, Napa Valley hit the jackpot. With the perfect environment to create fine wine, the area is known as one of the best wine regions in the world. In Napa you can visit countless world-renowned vineyards for tastings, ride a hot air balloon over rolling green hills, gorge yourself on great food and fantastic music, and much, much more.

10. The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo

The Madonna Inn is a kitsch-lovers paradise. An unmissable landmark of California's Central Coast, on the outside this San Luis Obispo motel looks like it was airlifted from the Swiss Alps. Inside, every square inch oozes maximalist camp, pink and frilly and unhinged. Each of the Madonna Inn's 110 guest rooms and suites features a different theme, sporting everything from zebra-print floors and wagon-wheel beds to a full rock-waterfall shower. Whether you're staying the night or making a road trip pit stop to try their famous pink champagne cake, the Madonna Inn is a must-see.

Other than the Hollywood sign, perhaps no other site in the state screams “California” like San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

11. San Francisco and the Bay Area

The fourth most populous city in the United States is a mini metropolis with a glut of adventure to offer travelers. San Francisco overflows with architectural charm, worldly culinary experiences, and energy. One of the elements that makes the place so special, though, is the ability to move between urban congestion and natural splendor in no time at all. Visitors to the area would be remiss to stay within the confines of San Francisco proper. The city must be taken in as part of the larger whole that surrounds it, including Berkeley, Oakland, Marin, Sonoma, and many more.

12. Los Angeles

Like the Bay Area, Los Angeles is a sprawling entity that may feel impossible to conquer. Still the city is legendary for a reason, and well-worth exploring. Make your way through the beaches, or eat your way through some of the best Mexican food in the world. Hike to the Hollywood sign, or pretend to be a starlet by lounging poolside at the iconic Chateau Marmont. Los Angeles has something for everyone, as long as you're willing to put in the legwork to find it.

Even the most urbane city-slickers will be mightily impressed by the majesty of California's redwood forests.

13. The Redwoods

California is home to one of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet: the Giant Redwood. Some of these trees are over 3,000 years old, rising as high as 380 feet and as wide as 29 feet. Great places to see these epic trees are spread out across the state. They include, but are not limited to: Muir Woods near San Francisco, Redwoods National Park in Crescent City, Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Eureka, and Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevadas. Pick the one closest to your California adventure, or make these wonders an adventure of their own. You won't be disappointed.