If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you already understand that there’s more to vacationing in California than just being in California. Yes, there are natural wonders like Yosemite, the Sea, and mountains; and there are also otherworldly experiences like hiking Half Dome and visiting the Grand Canyon. But California is more than nature. It’s history, architecture, movie stars (real and phony), innovations and even more nature abound here.

Traveling for pleasure is the best time for you. If you are looking for vacation spots in California, then you must follow my blogs that guide to five charming locales to visit this summer. So let’s get started and make a bucket list of your own! There are tons of places to vacation in California. If you’re planning a vacation, here are the best destinations to consider.

The Golden State has the Golden Gate Bridge, gleaming California beaches, Hollywood, and so much more. But many people miss out on all these attractions. If you’re from out of state or traveling from afar, you probably don’t know which vacation spots are most worth your time! That’s why we created this guide to help you find the best places for sightseeing, splashing in the surf, eating great food, and more! California is widely known as the land of golden opportunity, but what exactly are the chances you’ll find gold while vacationing there? Well, it’s not that likely — but there might be some other opportunities available to you like success and adventure!

Best Places to Visit in California

The Golden State gets its name for a reason. California’s diverse cultural and geographical offerings, vibrant cities and critically acclaimed culinary scenes are truly the gold standard for travelers. Whether you’re hiking the trails in one of the state’s many scenic parks, sampling some bubbly in the northern valleys, kicking back on sunny, southern shorelines or walking where stars once stood, California is truly a sight to behold. U.S. News took into account expert opinion and traveler sentiment to determine the best places to visit in California. Have a favorite? Vote below to help influence next year’s list. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

• View 38 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoYosemite#1 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaOne of the country’s most popular national parks can be found about 165 miles east of San Francisco. Yosemite offers every adventure activity you can possibly think of, from low-impact activities like fishing and bird-watching to daredevil pursuits, such as rock climbing and rafting. Whatever you choose to do, don’t leave without exploring can’t-miss sites like Glacier Point, Half Dome and Vernal Fall. Stick around until nighttime to gaze at the clear, starry sky. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 43 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSan Francisco#2 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaSan Francisco brims with life everywhere you go. Whether you’re zipping around on a cable car, exploring one of the city’s many culturally eclectic neighborhoods, admiring towering redwoods near the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or diving fork first into its world-renowned food scene (you’ll find more than 30 Michelin-starred restaurants here), San Francisco’s energy is always downright electric. After a busy day of exploring, head to the beautiful and tranquil Golden Gate Park to relax. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 78 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSan Diego#3 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaSan Diego is Southern California at its finest (think: warm weather year-round, endless stretches of surf-friendly shorelines and some of the best Mexican food in the USA). During the day, attractions like Balboa Park (where many of the city’s museums reside), the USS Midway Museum (which is housed in an aircraft carrier) and the San Diego Zoo (widely considered to be one of the best zoos in the country) tend to be popular among visitors. Meanwhile, the bustling, restaurant- and bar-filled Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be at night. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 46 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoLake Tahoe#4 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaRegardless of when you visit Lake Tahoe, you’ll find ample ways to enjoy the outdoors. In winter, Tahoe becomes a popular ski spot, and when summer hits, locals rent boats in droves as a way to unwind on the lake. Even if your goal is to simply relax, don’t leave without a light stroll or hike through Emerald Bay State Park or D.L. Bliss State Park for some of the best views of the lake. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 19 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoMonterey#5 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaMonterey’s stunning natural beauty and small-town soul are what keep travelers coming back again and again. Located in central California, Monterey is awash with picture-perfect beaches and charming seaside neighborhoods. It’s also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, considered one of the best aquariums in the country. But no visit would be complete without exploring the surrounding area. Head to Carmel to peruse its boutiques and art galleries, or visit Pebble Beach to hit the links at its world-renowned golf courses. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 18 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoBig Sur#6 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaMake the trek to this destintion at the edge of the ocean to see scenery so spellbindingly beautiful, it has the habit of putting travelers into a trance. This 90-mile stretch of rugged coastline offers numerous hiking trails that weave in and out of the area’s mountains and valleys, as well as pathways that lead to wild, seemingly untouched beaches. Don’t know where to start? Turn to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a go-to for many first-time travelers. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO

How To Vacation In California

• View 35 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoNapa Valley#7 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaNapa Valley reigns supreme as one of the best wine destinations in the world. It is also a major luxury hot spot. Not only is the valley filled to the brim with impressive hotels, but you’ll also find a number of Michelin-starred dining establishments. There are even a few kid-friendly wineries, including Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century Tuscan castle that serves young ones grape juice instead of wine. When you’re ready to walk off all of that food andwine, venture to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park for a light yet very scenic hike. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 29 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSequoia National Park#8 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaIf you want an eyeful of the state’s iconic, towering sequoias during your California vacation, there’s no better place to visit than Sequoia National Park. These magnificent trees are native to the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains in central California. The Giant Forest, the park’s main attraction, features 8,000-plus sequoias, which stand as tall as the average height of a 26-story building. You’ll also stumble upon the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO

• View 17 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSanta Monica#9 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaSituated about 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica easily stands alone as its own destination. This beachfront city is equipped with ample hotels, restaurants and shops in addition to its star attractions: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. After a day of fun in the sand or at the popular Third Street Promenade, visit Palisades Park for an unforgettable Southern Californian sunset. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 50 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoLos Angeles#10 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaLa-La Land is really as dreamy as they say. While you’ll no doubt contend with the city’s infamous bumper-to-bumper traffic during your stay, knowing you have world-renowned hot spots like Hollywood and Beverly Hills at your fingertips will leave you exhilarated. If you love film and TV, save time for touring Paramount Pictures Studios and Warner Bros. Studio, then snap pics of the TCL Chinese Theatre as you stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Also, plan to visit lesser-known, locally loved gems like Grand Central Market and Griffith Park. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 35 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoPalm Springs#11 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaFor decades, Palm Springs was a celebrity playground. Today, this desert paradise still attracts vacationers looking to lounge by the pool or hit up the nightlife scene. Nature lovers will also find plenty to do thanks to flora- and fauna-filled attractions like the Coachella Valley Preserve and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Visit earlier in the year to take advantage of comfortable weather and attend an array of events and festivals, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival (in January) and Coachella (in April). READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 19 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoLaguna Beach#12 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaLaguna Beach is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a small town, Southern California experience. Situated between LA and San Diego, Laguna Beach offers an array of scenic beaches both big and small, remote and central that’ll keep visitors occupied for days. Main Beach and Crescent Bay are a couple of local favorites, though travelers also highly recommend taking a trip to the wild shores of Crystal Cove State Park. For a break from the sun, pop into one of downtown’s art galleries or boutiques. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 30 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoAnaheim-Disneyland#13 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaThis ranking would not be complete without mentioning Anaheim, home to “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Disneyland Resort is the star attraction and the main reason why travelers make the nearly 30-mile trek here from Los Angeles. Other can’t-miss amusement parks in the area include Knott’s Berry Farm (a local favorite) and Adventure City (a more budget-friendly option). Outside the theme parks, visitors can enjoy some grub at the Anaheim Packing District food court or watch a professional baseball game at Angel Stadium. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 17 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSonoma#14 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaSonoma’s reputation as the cheaper, chiller version of Napa Valley has garnered enough praise to put it on both the travel and wine map. Situated less than 14 miles west of Napa, Sonoma features wineries galore, as well as other attractions atypical to traditional wine destinations. The kid-friendly Safari West offers actual safari excursions, while Sonoma Coast State Park boasts an array of natural arches, coves and beaches that are simply stunning. Also save time for shopping at Sonoma Plaza and driving sports cars at the Sears Point Racing Experience. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 19 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoHuntington Beach#15 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaNicknamed Surf City USA, this Orange County beach offers some of the country’s best waves. It is home to the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing (the world’s largest surfing competition) and has a rich surfing history and culture. After visitors learn more about the sport at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, they can enjoy views of the water as they walk along the Huntington Beach Pier or sip cocktails at an oceanfront lounge. Families should save time for shopping and playing at the weekly Surf City Nights Street Fair.   READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 47 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSanta Barbara#16 in Best Places to Visit in CaliforniaKnown as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a favorite of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Rob Lowe for a reason. The city, which is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offers mild weather year-round that’s perfect for soaking up some sun on its palm tree-lined beaches. It’s also known as a haven for creative types and for its food scene – especially its fresh seafood and produce – and top-notch wine. The Funk Zone district is full of art galleries and tasting rooms, many of which are part of Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail.