Top Things to Do in California: Our 22 Favorite Highlights

Top 22 California Attractions on the Map

Before we dive into the individual highlights, here’s a map so you can see everything at a glance and start planning your route.

The Most Beautiful Cities in California

San Francisco

What do you need to know? San Francisco is one of the most stunning cities on the West Coast of the USA. You’ve probably seen the Golden Gate Bridge — the city’s iconic landmark — in countless photos, but nothing compares to seeing it in person.

Is San Francisco worth visiting? Absolutely! San Francisco is our favorite city in California. It’s modern, hip, and laid-back all at the same time — a combination that’s surprisingly hard to find.

Our tips for San Francisco: Set aside at least three full days here. Your must-do list should include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the prison island of Alcatraz. And you have to ride the cable car at least once — it’s one of those experiences you just can’t skip.

Our hotel recommendation: CitizenM Union Square

Los Angeles

What do you need to know? Los Angeles is the city of the rich and famous. L.A. is known worldwide for Hollywood and especially Universal Studios. But there are also seriously cool beaches like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, plus world-class surf spots like Malibu.

Is Los Angeles worth visiting? L.A. is touristy, a little superficial, and very American. But if you’re traveling to California, you simply have to check it out — it’s a non-negotiable stop on any California itinerary.

Our tips for Los Angeles: Our absolute favorite thing to do in L.A. is heading up to the Getty Center in the evening to watch the city’s sea of lights spread out below you — cold beer in hand. Seriously, don’t miss it.

Our hotel recommendation: The Kinney

San Diego

What do you need to know? Multiculturalism, surfing, beaches — that’s San Diego in three words. The city sits right on the border with Mexico, so the cultures and cuisine blend together in a really big way.

Is San Diego worth visiting? San Diego isn’t your typical big city full of towering skyscrapers. But if you want to spend a few days at the beach and are into a more laid-back lifestyle, it’s a great fit — honestly one of the most relaxed cities in California.

Our tips for San Diego: Our absolute favorite neighborhood is La Jolla. It sits right on the ocean and has tons of great restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. We could stroll around here all day.

Our hotel recommendation: Staypineapple

The Most Beautiful National Parks in California

Yosemite National Park

What do you need to know? Yosemite is one of the most celebrated national parks in the USA. The scenery features jaw-dropping rock faces like Half Dome and El Capitan, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. It’s an absolute paradise for hiking.

Is Yosemite worth visiting? We visited on a Saturday and found it incredibly crowded. But you still simply have to see it! Weekdays are less busy, and the trails away from the main photo spots are much more peaceful.

Our tips for Yosemite: We hiked the Mist Trail — great views and totally doable even if you’re not super fit. And of course, like every visitor in Yosemite, we had to snap a photo at Olmsted Point. It’s one of those spots you just can’t walk past.

Our hotel recommendation: Sierra Sky Ranch – a beautifully appointed lodge, about a 1-hour drive from the park

Death Valley National Park

What do you need to know? Death Valley is part of the Mojave Desert and one of the driest places on earth. The lowest point sits 86 meters below sea level — it’s a landscape unlike anything else.

Is Death Valley worth visiting? Death Valley has landscapes you simply won’t find anywhere else: the salt flats, the colorful chalk formations along Artists Drive, the Mesquite Dunes. It’s a genuine must-see — just be prepared for the extreme heat.

Our tips for Death Valley: If you put your ear to the ground at Badwater Basin, you’re supposed to be able to hear the salt crystals cracking. Then again, maybe the heat was already making us hallucinate by that point.

Sequoia National Park

What do you need to know? Sequoia is home to some of the widest giant sequoias in the world — so wide that you can actually drive through a tunnel carved into one of the trees. The most famous is the General Sherman Tree.

Is Sequoia worth visiting? You don’t truly grasp the scale of these giant trees until you’re standing right in front of one. Super impressive! That said, the overall scenery is also quite similar to what you’d find in alpine mountain ranges.

Our tips for Sequoia: Definitely check road conditions before you go. Many roads stay closed well into spring due to snow, and you’ll be driving at elevations of up to 4,000 meters inside the park.

Our hotel recommendation: Rio Sierra Riverhouse

Lassen Volcanic National Park

What do you need to know? Lassen Volcanic is often called the mini Yellowstone. The park has an active volcano — Mount Lassen — along with bubbling mud pots and small geysers that make it feel genuinely otherworldly.

Is Lassen Volcanic worth visiting? Compared to other national parks, Lassen Volcanic gets very few visitors, even though the natural phenomena here are truly spectacular. It’s a fantastic off-the-beaten-path pick!

Our tips for Lassen Volcanic: Stay in the park until after dark. Lassen Volcanic is one of the best spots for stargazing in California because there’s almost no light pollution — you can usually even see the Milky Way.

Our hotel recommendation: Villlage at Childs Meadow

Redwood National Park

What do you need to know? Redwood is also home to massive giant sequoias. The park sits right on the Pacific coast, and from December through April you can sometimes spot gray whales from the beach — a seriously cool bonus.

Is Redwood worth visiting? Sequoia and Redwood are quite similar scenically. If you only have time for one of the two, we’d go with Sequoia.

Our tips for Redwood: The Newton B. Drury Scenic Drive is the classic route through the park. We also did the Coastal Drive from Klamath and loved it — you drive right along the coast with stunning views the whole way.

Our hotel recommendation: Berry Glen Loft

Joshua Tree National Park

What do you need to know? The park is named after the palm-like Joshua trees that give it its signature look — you’ll find them absolutely everywhere. Joshua Tree is also a true paradise for rock climbers.

Is Joshua Tree worth visiting? It’s near Los Angeles and makes for a great day trip. Just don’t expect too much variety — the trees and desert landscape are cool, but the scenery doesn’t change a whole lot as you drive through.

Our tips for Joshua Tree: During July and August, Joshua Tree gets seriously hot. Skip any long hikes during those months — it’s really not much fun in that kind of heat.

Our hotel recommendation: Yara Hotel

More Natural Attractions in California

Lake Tahoe

What do you need to know? Lake Tahoe is the deepest lake in the USA and simply enormous. In winter you can ski in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the north side, and in summer there are sandy beaches perfect for swimming.

Is Lake Tahoe worth visiting? Lake Tahoe has a reputation as one of the most beautiful lakes in the USA — and it’s totally earned. Even if you’re used to stunning mountain lakes back home, Lake Tahoe will still impress you.

Our tips for Lake Tahoe: At the south end there’s a gondola that takes you up to nearly 3,000 meters. From the top you get a panoramic view of the entire lake. If you’re short on time, it’s the best way to take it all in quickly.

Our hotel recommendation: Black Bear Lodge

Big Sur

What do you need to know? Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking stretches of Highway One, beginning in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Along the way you can watch sea lions and otters, hike to waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and cross the iconic Bixby Bridge.

Is Big Sur worth visiting? Absolutely! Give yourself plenty of time to go hiking and spend time on the beaches. There are some really lovely small inns here if you want to stay overnight — and we’d recommend it.

Our tips for Big Sur: Two spots you really shouldn’t miss are Partington Cove and McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Both are genuinely stunning.

Our hotel recommendation: Candle Light Inn

Mojave National Preserve

What do you need to know? The Mojave National Preserve is a protected area within the Mojave Desert — though only a portion of the full desert. The landscape is incredibly varied, with mountain ranges, classic sand dunes, and salt lakes. You can do a pure road trip through it or go hiking.

Is the Mojave National Preserve worth visiting? Death Valley is also part of the Mojave Desert and is simply much more well-known. That said, the Mojave National Preserve is far less touristy, which is actually a nice change of pace.

Our hotel recommendation: Holiday Inn and Suites

Mono Lake

What do you need to know? Mono Lake is a small natural wonder near Los Angeles. It has an extremely high salt content, and limestone columns resembling stalagmites rise straight up out of the water. The whole place looks like it’s from another planet.

Is Mono Lake worth visiting? If you consider yourself a nature lover, you’ll really love Mono Lake. It’s not one of the classic California must-sees, but that’s exactly what makes it such a great local favorite.

Our tips for Mono Lake: If you visit in summer, bring your swimsuit. The high salt content gives you much more buoyancy than usual — similar to the Dead Sea in Israel.

Our hotel recommendation: Empeiria Sierra High Hotel

Napa Valley

What do you need to know? Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the USA. There are numerous wineries offering tastings and tours — it’s a really enjoyable way to spend a day.

Is Napa Valley worth visiting? If you’ve always wanted to do a proper wine tasting, Napa Valley is one of the best places in the world to do it. That said, if you’re short on time, there are other California highlights we’d prioritize first.

Our hotel recommendation: The Setting Inn

Book a tour and wine tasting from San Francisco

Lone Pine

What do you need to know? Lone Pine is a small town between the Sierra Nevada and Death Valley. It’s a surreal experience to stand in the desert while gazing at snow-capped mountain peaks at the same time. The area has also served as a filming location for Iron Man and Django Unchained.

Is Lone Pine worth visiting? The landscape is cool, but Lone Pine has barely 2,000 residents and there isn’t much to do. A quick photo stop is more than enough here.

Our tips for Lone Pine: Make a side trip to the Alabama Hills — just 15 minutes from Lone Pine. The rock formations there are really something else.

Our hotel recommendation: Dow Villa Motel

Mammoth Lakes

What do you need to know? Mammoth Lakes is a resort town, a ski area, and a genuinely beautiful cluster of lakes. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from kayaking to winter sports.

Is Mammoth Lakes worth visiting? Mammoth Lakes makes a solid base for exploring Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. We wouldn’t make a special trip just for the lakes themselves, though — the scenery is quite similar to the Alps.

Our hotel recommendation: Empeiria Sierra High Hotel

The Coolest Road Trips Through California

Highway One

What do you need to know? Highway One runs right along the California coast from San Francisco all the way to San Diego. Along the drive you get truly breathtaking views of the Pacific, dramatic sea cliffs, and countless beaches. Many people say it’s one of the most beautiful roads in the world — and honestly, we agree.

Is Highway One worth it? Absolutely! Our road trip on Highway One was one of the most incredible experiences of our entire California trip. You’ll also find yourself driving parts of it anyway when traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Our tips for Highway One: Don’t just use Highway One to get from A to B. Plan plenty of time, because there are so many beautiful overlooks, beaches, and charming towns along the way — you’ll want to stop constantly.

Our hotel recommendation: Candle Light Inn

Route 66

What do you need to know? Route 66 is one of the most legendary roads in the USA. It starts in Chicago and runs all the way to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. In the 1930s it was the only continuous connection from the east to the west of the country — which made it the ultimate symbol of freedom for a long time.

Is Route 66 worth it? Honestly? Aside from its famous reputation, the road doesn’t have much to offer anymore. Some stretches are so run-down they’ve been closed off entirely. We sometimes didn’t even notice when we were driving on it. A quick photo at one of the signs is definitely enough.

Our hotel recommendation: Santa Monica Motel

Smaller Towns in California Worth Visiting

Santa Barbara

What do you need to know? Santa Barbara is a really charming little coastal town right on the ocean, with great restaurants, boutiques, and beautiful beaches. The vibe is almost a little European — perfect for a relaxed afternoon or two.

Is Santa Barbara worth visiting? Santa Barbara isn’t as famous or glamorous as Los Angeles, but you’ll feel right at home immediately. If you need a break from the big cities, this place is totally worth your time.

Our hotel recommendation: Santa Barbara Inn

Palm Springs

What do you need to know? Palm Springs is a town in the middle of the California desert — home to the Coachella Festival every year. With its luxury hotels and numerous golf courses, it feels like it’s only for the rich and famous, but in reality all kinds of travelers feel right at home here.

Is Palm Springs worth visiting? Palm Springs itself isn’t an absolute must-see for us. However, Joshua Tree National Park is right next door, which makes it a really convenient base when you’re visiting the park.

Our hotel recommendation: Yara Hotel

Carmel-by-the-Sea

What do you need to know? As the name suggests, it’s a sweet little coastal town full of cafés and boutiques. Carmel is located between Highway One and the Monterey Peninsula, and the standout experience here is the 17-Mile Drive with its stunning Pacific views.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting? Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy relaxed beach days. If you’re driving along Highway One, definitely stop here — and ideally spend a night.

Our hotel recommendation: Candle Light Inn

Bodie

What do you need to know? Bodie was one of the towns that sprang up during the Gold Rush in the American West. Today all that remains is an abandoned ghost town. The buildings are beautifully preserved inside and out, and you get a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the gold miners.

Is Bodie worth visiting? If you have a thing for abandoned places, you’ll probably love Bodie. Otherwise, we don’t think it’s one of the California points of interest you absolutely have to see.

Our hotel recommendation: There are almost no accommodations near Bodie; the next best option is the Empeiria Sierra High Hotel near Mammoth Lakes (about 75 minutes by car).

Our Route for a 3-Week California Road Trip

The best way to see as many of the best places to visit in California as possible in a short amount of time is a road trip. We’ve put together a 3-week California road trip route that we’d genuinely recommend.

We’ve included a map of our route above. Here’s exactly how many days we planned for each stop:

• Days 1–4: San Francisco
• Day 5: Highway One (+ overnight stay in Pismo Beach)
• Days 6–10: Los Angeles
• Days 10–13: San Diego
• Day 14: Palm Springs (+ Joshua Tree National Park)
• Days 15–16: Death Valley
• Days 17–18: Sequoia National Park (Optional, as the drive is very time-consuming)
• Days 19–20: Yosemite National Park
• Day 21: San Francisco

The classic approach for a California road trip is to rent a car and stay in hotels along the way — and that’s exactly what we’d recommend. It’s the most flexible and stress-free option by far.

Alternatively, you could rent an RV, which covers both transportation and accommodations in one go. Or you could travel from stop to stop by bus and join guided tours for longer excursions.

Want more detailed info for your California road trip? We have a complete guide for a road trip along the West Coast of the USA, with specific hotel recommendations and lots of practical tips.

The advice there applies just as well to a pure California road trip. And who knows — maybe it’ll inspire you to extend your route and take in the entire West Coast of the USA.