Attractions in California: A Guide to the Golden State’s Must-Visit Spots
California is renowned for its diverse attractions, offering everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Here’s an overview of the state’s most famous big and small attractions, ensuring something for everyone—from nature enthusiasts to urban explorers.
Attractions, Places To Visit & Things To Do
Activities
Art Galleries
Beaches
Children and Family
Lakes
Museums
Parks
Places To Visit
Stadiums
Theaters
Things To Do
Zoos
Iconic Landmarks and Major Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)
The most recognized symbol of California, offering breathtaking views from various vantage points.
Activities: Walking, biking, or viewing from Golden Gate Park or Crissy Field.
Activities: Walking, biking, or viewing from Golden Gate Park or Crissy Field.
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
A world-famous theme park that delights visitors of all ages with rides, parades, and beloved Disney characters.
Attractions: Space Mountain, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Attractions: Space Mountain, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Yosemite National Park (Sierra Nevada)
Known for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias.
Key spots: El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Key spots: El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles)
A tribute to the stars of film, TV, music, and more.
Nearby attractions: TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre.
Nearby attractions: TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre.
San Diego Zoo (San Diego)
A renowned zoo featuring over 3,500 animals and extensive botanical collections.
Highlights: Koala exhibits, polar bears, and the Safari Park extension.
Highlights: Koala exhibits, polar bears, and the Safari Park extension.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Attractions
Big Sur Coastline
Dramatic cliffs, Pacific Ocean views, and hiking trails through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Don’t miss: Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls.
Don’t miss: Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls.
Death Valley National Park
Famous for its extreme landscapes, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Other highlights: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Artist’s Palette.
Other highlights: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Artist’s Palette.
Lake Tahoe (Sierra Nevada)
A year-round destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and water sports.
Scenic spots: Emerald Bay State Park and Sand Harbor Beach.
Scenic spots: Emerald Bay State Park and Sand Harbor Beach.
Redwood National and State Parks (Northern California)
Home to the tallest trees on Earth.
Must-visit: Avenue of the Giants and Fern Canyon.
Must-visit: Avenue of the Giants and Fern Canyon.
Joshua Tree National Park
Known for its surreal desert landscapes and iconic Joshua trees.
Popular activities: Rock climbing and stargazing.
Popular activities: Rock climbing and stargazing.
Cultural and Historical Gems
The Getty Center (Los Angeles)
A premier art museum featuring European paintings, sculptures, and gardens.
Free admission and panoramic city views.
Free admission and panoramic city views.
Alcatraz Island (San Francisco)
A former prison turned National Park Service site, offering guided tours and a glimpse into history.
Accessible via ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Accessible via ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
A living history museum showcasing California’s early days.
Features: Restored adobe buildings and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Features: Restored adobe buildings and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (San Jose)
A unique museum dedicated to ancient Egypt, with extensive exhibits on mummies and artifacts.
Hidden Gems and Smaller Attractions
Forestiere Underground Gardens (Fresno)
A subterranean network of hand-dug rooms and gardens created by Baldassare Forestiere.
Salvation Mountain (Imperial County)
A colorful art installation made of adobe, straw, and paint, spreading messages of love and spirituality.
Glass Beach (Fort Bragg)
A beach covered in smooth, colorful sea glass, resulting from years of ocean tides polishing discarded glass.
Solvang (Santa Barbara County)
A charming Danish-style village with unique architecture, windmills, and bakeries.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (Carlsbad)
Seasonal displays of vibrant ranunculus flowers, open during spring.
Unique Urban Destinations
Venice Beach (Los Angeles)
Seasonal displays of vibrant ranunculus flowers, open during spring.
Balboa Park (San Diego)
A cultural hub featuring museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
Santana Row (San Jose)
A luxury shopping and dining district with Mediterranean-style architecture.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
A historic district with cobblestone streets, paddlewheel riverboats, and Gold Rush-era museums.
Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills)
A luxury shopping street lined with designer boutiques and high-end stores.
California’s attractions reflect its incredible diversity, offering world-class landmarks, natural wonders, cultural institutions, and unique local experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, there’s always something new to explore in the Golden State.
