The California Dream: Must-Visit Places in the Golden State

I first visited California back in 2019, road-tripping from San Diego to San Francisco in a beat-up rental car with my laptop and camera as constant companions. As a digital nomad, I found myself pulling over every few miles, connecting to WiFi in small coffee shops, and working with views that changed from coastal cliffs to towering redwoods.

California has this way of surprising you around every corner, whether you’re cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, wandering through the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree, or getting lost in the busy streets of Los Angeles. From laid-back beach towns to snow-capped mountains, and from world-famous cities to hidden valleys, each visit reveals something new.

So, what are the best places to check out in California? I’ve combined my personal experiences from multiple trips across the Golden State with advice from local friends who know every hidden gem, to create a list that’ll help you plan your own California adventure.

Yosemite National Park

Located about four hours east of San Francisco lies the natural wonder of Yosemite National Park. Like many national parks in America, Yosemite offers hiking trails, camping spots, and wildlife viewing. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve stepped into a landscape painting come to life. Just look up at the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its unique geology shaped by ancient glaciers, Yosemite became a haven for rock climbers and artists alike, and you’ll find both scattered throughout the valley, along with thundering waterfalls and ancient sequoia groves.

San Francisco

Perched along the northern California coast, San Francisco stands as one of America’s most recognizable cities. Much like other major urban centers, it has its share of museums, restaurants, and shopping districts. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where old and new blend seamlessly together. Just watch the historic cable cars climb the steep hills alongside modern electric buses, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of San Francisco’s role in both the gold rush and tech boom, people from all over the world have made this Bay Area city home, and you’ll find Victorian-era houses next to sleek glass towers, with plenty of dim sum spots and Italian bakeries in between.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is where dreams meet reality, and I always tell people it’s a must-visit city in California. Spread across a massive urban landscape between mountains and ocean, LA serves up everything from movie magic at Universal Studios to laid-back beach vibes in Santa Monica. The city keeps you busy with spots like the Getty Center, showing off amazing art collections, Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame, and the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk where street performers and local characters make every visit memorable.

San Diego

San Diego combines everything that makes California great into one sunny package. Sitting pretty on the Pacific coast, this laid-back city offers 70 miles of beaches where you can surf, swim, or just watch the sunset. The city’s crown jewel, Balboa Park, houses 17 museums, gorgeous gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo, where you can spend hours watching pandas and koalas. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the relaxed vibes of La Jolla Cove, San Diego shows off the best of Southern California living.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe might just be California’s most impressive natural wonder, straddling the border between California and Nevada with its crystal-clear waters and snow-capped Sierra peaks. This massive alpine lake draws visitors year-round for completely different experiences – summers are perfect for swimming and boating in the blue waters, while winters transform the surrounding mountains into a playground for skiers and snowboarders. The 72-mile drive around the lake takes you past hidden beaches, dense pine forests, and small towns that feel worlds away from California’s busy cities. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your morning hitting the slopes at Heavenly Resort and your afternoon paddling out on the lake, watching the sun cast long shadows across the mountains.

Big Sur

Have you ever watched waves crash against rugged cliffs while California condors soar overhead? That’s just another day in Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1. This 90-mile stretch of California coastline feels like nature’s greatest hits album come to life – from hidden beaches and towering redwood groves to the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge that you’ve probably seen on a thousand postcards. Here you can hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls tumble onto a pristine beach, spot migrating whales from coastal bluffs, or cozy up in a rustic cabin surrounded by nothing but wilderness and starlit skies.

Napa Valley

Discover world-class wines and rolling vineyard views in Napa Valley, one of California’s most celebrated wine regions. There are over 400 wineries to explore, from small family-owned estates to grand châteaus offering guided tours and tastings. For a unique perspective, hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal while rolling through the countryside. When you’re not sipping wine, treat yourself to a meal at one of the area’s Michelin-starred restaurants or unwind with a therapeutic mud bath in Calistoga.

Joshua Tree National Park

Ever seen a Joshua tree reaching toward the desert sky like something out of a Dr. Seuss book? These peculiar-looking plants are the stars of Joshua Tree National Park, where two distinct desert ecosystems meet just a few hours east of Los Angeles. Rock climbers flock here year-round to scale the massive granite boulders, while stargazers claim it’s one of the best spots in California to view the Milky Way after dark. You can explore miles of hiking trails through the Mojave Desert landscape, spot desert bighorn sheep, or camp among the otherworldly rock formations that give this park its distinctive character.

Sequoia National Park

Many visitors trek to Sequoia National Park to see General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth by volume, but this natural wonderland offers much more than just giant sequoias. The park’s landscape ranges from deep canyons to peaks that touch the clouds, including Mount Whitney – the highest point in the contiguous United States. Throughout the park’s 400,000 acres, visitors can spot black bears wandering through meadows, explore underground crystal caves, or hike among ancient groves that have stood for thousands of years. While summer brings crowds eager to see the mighty sequoias, the park’s quiet winter months offer a different kind of magic, with snow-covered forests and fewer tourists on the trails.

Santa Barbara

I first discovered Santa Barbara during a coastal road trip in 2018, and it’s stayed with me ever since. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this Mediterranean-style city offers a perfect blend of California charm and Spanish colonial heritage. State Street runs through the heart of downtown, where red-tiled roofs and white stucco buildings house local boutiques and family-run restaurants. The city’s crown jewel, the Santa Barbara Mission, stands proud against the mountain backdrop, while Stearns Wharf extends into the blue waters, offering views of the Channel Islands in the distance. What makes this spot special is how the morning fog rolls in from the ocean, creating a cool blanket over the palm-lined beaches before giving way to sunny afternoons perfect for wine tasting in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley.

Monterey

Located about two hours south of San Francisco along California’s central coast lies the seaside city of Monterey. Like other coastal towns, Monterey has its share of beaches, seafood restaurants, and maritime attractions. But what sets it apart is its deep connection to both literature and marine life. Just walk down Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novels, and you’ll see why this place captures so many imaginations. Thanks to the city’s rich sardine-canning history and the work of marine scientists, Monterey became a leader in ocean conservation, and today you’ll find one of the world’s best aquariums here, along with plenty of spots to watch wild sea otters playing in the kelp forests just offshore.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Travelers flock to Carmel-by-the-Sea for its fairy-tale cottages and artistic charm, but this coastal gem offers much more than just architecture to admire. The small seaside town features pristine white-sand beaches perfect for sunset walks and picnics, while its winding streets are lined with local art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy wine tasting rooms. Ocean Avenue, the main thoroughfare, leads visitors through a European-style village filled with hidden courtyards and secret passageways, and the nearby Carmel Mission provides a glimpse into California’s Spanish colonial past. While many come for the shopping and dining scene, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities year-round, from surfing at Carmel Beach to hiking the trails of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Redwood National Park

Located about five hours north of San Francisco lies the legendary Redwood National Park, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on Earth. Like other parks in California, it offers hiking trails and camping spots, but what sets it apart is the surreal experience of walking among ancient giants that have stood watch for over 2,000 years. Just look up at the 350-foot redwoods towering above, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric world. Thanks to the park’s unique coastal location, a mysterious fog often rolls through the forest, creating an otherworldly atmosphere where sunlight filters through the canopy in ethereal beams. The area’s rich logging history has left its mark too, with old mill towns and historic sites dotting the landscape, telling stories of California’s complex relationship with these majestic forests.

Disneyland Resort, Anaheim

There’s something magical about walking down Main Street USA at Disneyland Resort that no other theme park can match. This 500-acre wonderland in Anaheim combines two theme parks, three hotels, and an entertainment district into what truly feels like the happiest place on Earth. Whether you’re watching fireworks light up Sleeping Beauty Castle, screaming your way through Space Mountain, or sharing a churro with Mickey Mouse himself, the park has a way of making both kids and adults forget about the outside world. It’s not just a collection of rides and shows – it’s Walt Disney’s original vision brought to life, where fantasy becomes reality and childhood dreams come true around every corner.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is where I send anyone looking for that perfect California beach town experience. Centered around the famous Santa Monica Pier with its colorful Ferris wheel, this coastal city combines laid-back beach vibes with upscale shopping and dining. The Third Street Promenade buzzes with street performers and shoppers, while Muscle Beach attracts fitness enthusiasts showing off their skills in the sunshine.

Palm Springs

Just two hours east of Los Angeles lies Palm Springs, a desert oasis that feels like it’s trapped in the golden age of Hollywood. Like many California resort towns, Palm Springs has its pools, golf courses, and spas. But unlike the others, it stands out for its distinctly mid-century modern personality. Take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive, where vintage boutiques and retro architecture transport you straight back to the 1950s, and you’ll see what I mean. Thanks to its history as a hideaway for movie stars looking to escape LA, Palm Springs became a showcase for modernist architecture, and you’ll find sleek homes with clean lines and desert-adapted designs throughout the city.

Mendocino

Escape to Mendocino, a charming coastal town where rugged cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean. This artistic haven is filled with Victorian buildings and independently-owned shops, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard from the 1800s. Take a stroll through Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to see native plants and coastal views, or head to one of the nearby state parks for a peaceful hike through towering redwoods. When you’re ready to relax, stop by one of the local wineries or settle into a cozy B&B overlooking the ocean. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a laid-back weekend away from the big city buzz.

Channel Islands National Park

Just off the coast of Southern California lies Channel Islands National Park, a chain of five untamed islands that feel worlds away from the mainland’s busy beaches. While most California coastal spots buzz with surfboards and sunbathers, these isolated islands offer a glimpse into what the state’s shoreline looked like centuries ago. Home to over 2,000 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, it’s a place where island foxes roam freely and blue whales breach offshore. Each island has its own personality – kayakers flock to Santa Cruz for its sea caves, while hikers head to Santa Rosa for its empty beaches and rare Torrey pines. Getting here takes some planning (you’ll need to hop on a boat or small plane), but that’s exactly what keeps these islands feeling like California’s best-kept secret.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is where I send my friends when they want the perfect mix of art and beach life in Southern California. This charming coastal town spreads across seven miles of coves and beaches, where local artists set up their easels alongside surfers catching waves. The city’s heart lies in its open-air art galleries and yearly festivals like the Pageant of the Masters, while spots like Main Beach and Crystal Cove offer classic California beach vibes with tide pools and hidden caves to explore.

Santa Cruz

Just 75 miles south of San Francisco sits the laid-back beach town of Santa Cruz. Like other coastal California cities, Santa Cruz has its share of surf spots, boardwalk attractions, and sandy beaches. But unlike its neighbors, it maintains a distinctly bohemian spirit that sets it apart. Watch the local surfers catch waves at Steamer Lane or stroll past the vintage rides at the Beach Boardwalk, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Thanks to the presence of UC Santa Cruz and a long-standing counterculture movement, the town has evolved into an interesting mix of college students, artists, and surf enthusiasts, creating a unique community where redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean.