From southern California’s beachy San Diego and star-studded Los Angeles to history-steeped San Francisco and quieter towns in the north, the Golden State serves up an endless array of destinations and activities. Cruise out to Alcatraz, the famed former prison in the San Francisco Bay, or visit Catalina Island on a boat trip from Long Beach or Dana Point. Outdoor adventures in Yosemite National Park, skiing in Lake Tahoe, or a stroll down the Santa Monica Pier give a glimpse of the state’s majestic natural features. Visit LA to stroll on the Walk of Fame, hit the theme parks in Anaheim, or hike up to snap a photo in front of the Hollywood sign. Monterey and Carmel are home to miles of coastline, a wealth of marine life, and world-class golf facilities. Both the San Diego Zoo and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are considered the top wildlife facilities in their categories, home to an incredible array of animals and opportunities to learn about our non-human neighbors. California’s miles of farm country mean dining opportunities include farm-fresh, high-quality meat and produce. Foodies can dig into fish tacos in SoCal, munch sourdough bread in San Francisco, or hit the wine trail in Napa and Sonoma.
You may hear it often, but in California, it’s true: There’s never a bad time to visit. There are, however, general guidelines to follow. Spring is ideal for getting outside—think desert wildflower season and Coachella, one of the largest music festivals on the planet. Summer brings the tourist crush, more festivals, and the best beach weather in the US. Ski season typically runs from November to March but often starts early and stays late.
The California road trip is alive and well. Highways 1, 5, and 101 cover large swathes of the state: Interstate 5 along the interior, while state and US routes 1 and 101 follow the scenic coast. If you have time, road-tripping is an essential California experience. The California Amtrak train system can get you around, but it is slow and not particularly affordable. To travel quickly between metro areas, flying is your best bet.
Think of California, and you’ll likely picture postcard-worthy beaches up and down the rugged coast. While beautiful beaches are everywhere in the Golden State, those north of the Central Coast have chilly Pacific waters that may feel too cold for swimming. To take a dip without a wetsuit, make southern California your destination where the water will be warmer—places like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Drake’s Beach.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 476 | Tours 3,553 | Reviews 166,752 |
Natural beauty. California is home to rugged coastlines hugging the Pacific Ocean, age-old redwood and sequoia trees, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite and Death Valley are must-see national parks. Hollywood is the seat of the American entertainment industry, while Silicon Valley is the center of global technology.
...MoreBy the numbers, Disneyland is the top attraction. The Los Angeles amusement park draws about 18 millions visitors annually. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, perhaps the state’s most recognizable attraction, falls second with about 10 million visitors annually. Yosemite National Park rounds out the top three.
...MoreAmong its wonders are Death Valley with its salt flats and the lowest point in North America. In San Francisco, there’s the world’s last manually operated cable car system. General Sherman in Sequoia National Park is thought to be the largest giant sequoia. Don't miss Lassen National Park’s volcanic, Mars-like landscapes.
...MoreThere's plenty to do in California. Outdoorsy types can surf, kayak, hike, scuba, ski and sun-worship year-round. Culture mavens can visit world-class museums—from the Getty Center to the deYoung museum and SFMOMA. Wine tasting is a year-round affair; high-end shopping is a favorite Los Angeles diversion.
...MoreCarmel-by-the-Sea has an immaculate downtown, European-style courtyards and alleyways, and a bevy of art galleries. Point Lobos nearby is a California postcard, with Monterey cypress trees framing the shimmering Pacific Ocean. The Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo is peace on earth.
...MoreYear-round activities in California include wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma counties; driving down 600 coast-hugging miles (900 kilometers) on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1; surfing rugged, pristine shorelines; and checking out Disneyland for family fun.
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