Exploring California's Highlights: 10 Must-Do Activities
What is California Most Famous For?
The best places to visit and activities to do in California are tried-and-true hotspots and hidden gems beyond Hollywood and beaches. The Golden State is known for its vast, abundant land that is the envy of many other US states, with its beautiful Pacific coastlines, robust forests, modern arts and technology, as well as the breezy Mediterranean weather.
However, it’s always a safe bet to have spare layers of clothing for the changing temperatures throughout the day, and a pair of reliable walking shoes is highly recommended for your California journey. Read on to make your travel planning checklist a bit easier.
What are the best things to do in California?
1. Napa Valley
Where to sample your way through a variety of elite red wines
Good for: Couples, Food
There are about 500 vineyards in Napa Valley to choose from, and you can find some of the world’s finest award-winning wines here. Among the most celebrated ones are gems such as the cabernet sauvignon from the Castello di Amorosa as well as from the Opus One winery.
Napa Valley is about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco. This area is blessed with the morning fog that comes in from the bay, and the altitude that keeps the soil cool all year round. People also come here for events and parties in this gorgeous countryside with unique weather. Time your visit right, and you get enjoy the best of what Napa Valley has to offer.
Napa Valley
2. Golden Gate Bridge
Panoramic views from California’s most famous crossing
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
At 1.6 miles, visitors can walk, bike or drive across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. The walk would take about 50 minutes to the midpoint and back, or a 30-minute walk to and from the bridge tower to capture some panoramic views. Parking spots are plentiful around the area.
The Golden Gate Bridge earned its name from the Golden Gate Strait, a few years before the Gold Rush frenzy. A few minutes’ drive towards south of the bridge is the Japanese Tea Garden where you can enjoy some Zen with green tea and rice cakes at this compound, founded by early Japanese-American immigrants. Take a stroll around the picturesque park or visit the versatile de Young Museum. Read more
Golden Gate Bridge
3. Sequoia National Park
Home of the world’s largest tree
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Sequoia National Park is a 4-hour drive east of San Francisco and 3 hours south of Yosemite National Park. It is highly recommended that visitors rent a car to access the campsite and the parks. The forest spans 316 sq miles (1,600 sq km) of majestic redwood trees and sequoias.
One of the giant sequoia trees is also one of the largest trees in the world named the General Sherman at 102 ft (31.3 meters) circumference. This landmark tree is about 30 minutes’ drive from the entrance. There are 14 camping sites, and Three Rivers has restaurants, hotels, and motels. Summer months from June to August can get busy, so call to check and reserve camping space in advance.
Sequoia National Park
4. Pfeiffer Beach
A highlight of Big Sur National Park
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Pfeiffer Beach seems to be the perfect “emo” beach for atmospheric music videos. This part of the coast is a blend of dramatic hazy oceans and rock formations, along with windy shores and lavender-colored sand.
The water is not a swim-friendly environment with its strong tides and brisk wind, but a hike along the shores is worth the picturesque walk at the Vicente Flat Trail, about 10 miles (16 km) long. Those who are not accustomed to camping might find this location a bit less than cozy, with night temperatures that fall into the ‘chilly’ category. For more comfort, seek out the lodges, motels, and restaurants along the Cabrillo highway, approximately 15 minutes north.
Pfeiffer Beach
5. Hearst Castle
An opulent estate in San Simeon
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Hearst Castle is like Great Gatsby’s mansion, but on the Central Coast California. The location is a 4-hour drive south of San Francisco, built by the print and media mogul of Hearst Publications, William Randolph Hearst, in the 1920s.
Hearst Castle is a place of decadence, with rose gardens, Roman temple façades, reflecting pools, and the famous Azure Blue indoor pool. With 4 main complexes that overlook the ocean, the estate has palatial, over-the-top architecture and spectacular interiors. The Casa Grande hosted many Hollywood royalties that held a live performance here, from Charlie Chaplin to Clark Gable. While there, ask the staff about the unfinished gargoyles at the Casa Grande exterior.
Location: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 800-444-4445
Hearst Castle
6. Santa Barbara
There’s a reason why so many celebs live here
Good for: Couples, Budget
Santa Barbara is an idyllic town with fragrant gardens overlooking the ocean. Because of the perfect year-round weather, celebrities have made this place home. For stunning ocean views, visit Arroyo Burro Beach that is a coastal land accessible to the public.
Though the air temperature is balmy, the water temperature can be a bit cold. Nonetheless, you can sunbathe while enjoying dogs, seagulls, pelicans, swans, and cheery people all around. In a similar atmosphere nearby, the Stearns Wharf is also an oceanfront attraction with freight and trade history. The area is now a visitors’ favorite landmark with restaurants, wine bars, and fishing spots. If you’re interested in whale watching tours, book your tickets here.
Santa Barbara
7. Santa Monica
Oceanside promenades and breathtaking views
Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget
Santa Monica is the California dream that comes to life. Beach bodies, surfers, street performances, carnivals and a 24-hour pier make this place lively. To enjoy Santa Monica, plan on walking in both sand and on sidewalk from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can start the day early from the promenade for downtown shopping and breakfast.
Head toward Ocean Avenue’s bike and walk path that’s 26 miles (42 km) long right alongside the beach. Despite being a top beach destination, the water temperature is still not that warm and swimmers are often seen wearing wetsuits. Stay around for the sunset while enjoying dinner from the fancy food trucks that range from mahi-mahi sushi to waffles and chips. Read more
Santa Monica
8. Griffith Observatory
Cool meteorite collections and stunning city vistas
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Griffith Observatory was built as a planetarium for the public. The Edge of Space room is a cool collection of meteorites, which some claim to have come as far as from Jupiter. Visitors enjoy daytime viewing of the entire Los Angeles, from the ocean horizon to the famous Hollywood sign. Visit at sunset to admire gorgeous city views as the sun disappears below the horizon. At night, you’ll see LA sparkle with millions of lights.
The grounds around the observatory are ideal for hikes and walks with several trailheads nearby as well as tennis courts and golf courses. If you’re driving, plan ahead to secure a parking spot as the observatory parking lot can get busy at peak times. Read more
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from noon to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 213-473-0800
Griffith Observatory
9. La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove
Beautiful beaches with clean waves
Good for: Adventure, Photo
La Jolla Shores is San Diego’s sunny spots where seals, huge and small, congregate. The Children’s Pool Beach is not really a kids’ pool but a shallow snorkeling spot that has recently been taken over by sea lions. Visitors are asked to not go near the sea lions as they rest. This beach has flat shores and calm waves that are perfect for boogie boarding and surfing for beginners.
La Jolla Cove, 10 minutes south, is a favorite among adults and strong swimmers. Its deeper waters are made for snorkeling, kayaking, and weaving in and out of sea caves. If you’re a seasoned surfer, make a ten-minute drive north to Black’s Beach that has big swells of waves.
La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
