Are you planning a getaway?
With sunny skies for about 75% of the year, why not consider California? There’s something for everyone in the golden state and it’s a perfect destination for people who want to be near the ocean, nestled up in the mountains or relaxing in the desert.
Read on to learn about the 10 best places to visit in California.
Joshua Tree National Park
If you’re searching for a desert oasis, look no further. The landscape of Joshua Tree is truly breathtaking. You’ll be impressed by the unique rock formations and their namesake tree which are scattered throughout the yellow desert sand.
Many people head to this area to connect with nature, hike and rock climb. Don’t forget to sign up for a sound bath at the Integratron, just outside of Landers. You can also camp in the park or check out one of the funky hotels in the area.
Keep in mind, this part of the desert reaches sweltering temps in the summer months and can get quite chilly during the winter so you may want to consider avoiding those seasons, especially if you’re planning on doing outdoor activities and camping.
Big Sur
There is something so calm and peaceful about Big Sur, it’s no wonder it’s home to world-renowned retreats and spas. Big Sur rests off the 1 Highway between Monterey and San Simeon on a 90 mile stretch of road that truly allows you to disconnect because, well, you probably won’t get cell service anyway.
On one side of the highway, you have jaw-dropping cliffs that jut out over the deep blue of the Pacific and on the opposite side of the highway, plenty of hiking in a beautiful green forest.
You may have to search a little as many of the best spots to check out in the area are unmarked in an effort to avoid crowding. Big Sur is speckled with world-class eateries, family owned art galleries and hotels with views of the ocean you’ll never forget.
Yosemite National Park
Just a few hours outside of San Francisco you can find one of the nations most beautiful and visited national parks. The landscape is something to marvel at. From flowing waterfalls, otherworldly rock formations and more than thousand-year-old trees, you’re sure to be impressed.
Not only are there several things to see, but there are many things to do. People who want to take it easy can partake in moderate hikes on easy to navigate trails while the more adventurous can challenge themselves to climb Half Dome.
At Yosemite, you have the option to camp or settle into to a more luxurious situation by checking into one of the surrounding hotels. The park is beautiful year round, so don’t hesitate to pick what might be considered an “off-season” time to visit in an effort to avoid the crowds.
Read more here about neighboring towns and where to stay when visiting the park.
Napa Valley
No, it’s not Tuscany, it’s Napa Valley, California’s center for wine. Here you’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and wineries at every turn. This destination is best done without kids and perfect for a couple’s getaway or a trip with friends.
Spend the day wine tasting and then unwind at one of the area’s luxury hotels. Don’t forget to make a reservation (if you can) at The French Laundry, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world.
Ojai Valley
A small town about 15 miles inland from Ventura and Santa Barbara, Ojai is the perfect laid-back destination. Enjoy wine tasting from one of the local vineyards, indulge in homemade ice cream on Ojai Avenue and hit the Sunday Farmer’s Market for some fresh fair from the local farmers.
Accommodations range from cute and quaint boutique hotels to the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn & Spa which has every amenity you could ever hope for. Enjoy a hike that overlooks the valley and take a bike ride west toward the beach for a fun day trip.
Most importantly, don’t miss the “pink moment”; a time of day at sunset where the sun hits the mountains in Ojai, creating a hot pink flair that is truly something to see.
Laguna Beach
Located in Orange County, Laguna Beach is a quiet, small, and oh-so-cute oceanside town that’s perfect for relaxing and recharging. Main Beach and Crescent Bay are the top beaches while others will urge you to head to the more exclusive Crystal Cove for a day of fun in the sun.
There are plenty of family-friendly hotels in the area and the town itself is littered with small shops and delicious restaurants.
Santa Monica
For that quintessential California feel head to Santa Monica, a 15 mile street of beach west of Los Angeles. Santa Monica is just waiting for tourists with it’s 3rd Street Promenade shopping and dining as well as the Santa Monica pier, a place to play games, ride rides and sip a beer as you overlook the water.
The area has a ton of oceanfront hotels, making your trip to the city very walkable. Be sure to rent a bike or rollerblades and ride south toward Venice, or north toward Malibu along the beach for a scenic view of the water.
If you’re looking for something other than water activities, shopping, and eating, head to the Santa Monica mountains for some beautiful hiking and breathe in that fresh ocean air.
San Francisco
If a metropolitan vibe is calling your name, check out San Francisco but be prepared for the steep streets. With direct flights from tons of other cities in the U.S., it’s an easy place to get to and navigate once here.
This city, famous for it’s cute and vibrant neighborhoods and sweeping views along the water, has it all. Museums, incredible cuisine, and a lively night scene will keep any visitor busy from sun up to sun down.
Take a day trip to Alcatraz, check out Fisherman’s Wharf, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and be sure to take a ride in a classic cable car.
Lake Tahoe
A winter wonderland during the cooler months and an adventurer’s outdoor dream during the warmer ones; Lake Tahoe is magical all year round. The city is nestled between the California and Nevada state lines and welcomes over 2 million visitors a year.
People are drawn to the picturesque mountainside and the clean blue water of the lake. There are tons of hiking trails and water sports like wake-boarding and water skiing that can be done during summer. During winter, it’s home to one of the best ski mountains in the country.
If the outdoors isn’t what you’re looking for, don’t worry. Lake Tahoe has incredible dining and high-end shops for perusing while other people in your family are busy with activities.
Carmel by the Sea
This small beach city is nestled in the Monterey Bay and home to a flawless white sand beach and perhaps the cutest homes you’ve ever seen. Everything is kitschy and quaint here and will make you feel like you’ve turned back the clock to a simpler time.
The area is littered with boutique hotels and Bed and Breakfasts. Enjoy a round of golf at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and dine at everyone’s favorite, Demetra Cafe.
Check out These Places to Visit in California!
These top 10 places to visit in Calfornia offer something for everyone and the best part is, you can visit year round. Take these tips to jumpstart research for your next trip and consider hitting more than one Cali location while you’re out here.
Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more hot places to visit and helpful travel advice!
