Tourist places in California

Here are the top 30 places to visit in California in 2024:

1. Los Angeles

3.8 /5

1 out of 30
Places to visit in California 234
Tourist attractions

Los Angeles is the hub of all activities on the famous West Coast of the United States. It is the second-largest city in the country, and one of the US's prime tourist cities. Home to the world-famous Hollywood entertainment industry, Los Angeles has become a huge tourist destination. It is a great ...

Best Time: September to November

2. San Francisco

4.0 /5

2 out of 30
Places to visit in California 256
Tourist attractions

San Francisco is one of the most important cities on the West Coast and all of the United States. It has been a major tourist destination since the 1960s, thanks to its wide array of attractions, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge fantastic views of the San Francisco Bay and brilliant summer weather...

Best Time: September to November

3. San Diego

5.0 /5

3 out of 30
Places to visit in California 282
Tourist attractions

Home to serene white-sand beaches, San Diego is popularly called 'America's Finest City'. San Diego is the second-largest city in California, while it ranks no. 8 in the list of the largest cities in the United States. With incredible weather conditions throughout the year and over 60 beaches, the s...

Best Time: March to May, September to November

4. Santa Cruz

4.2 /5

4 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Located just 70 miles south of San Francisco and filled with sandy beaches and redwood mountains, Santa Cruz is a great laidback destination. The city is a counterculture center and known for its liberal beliefs. Santa Cruz is home to all kinds of people from the University of California students to...

Best Time: May to November

5. Silicon Valley

4.2 /5

5 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Silicon Valley refers to the area between the city of San Mateo and San Jose and is known for to be home to some of the largest companies in the world. Stanford University, where many startups like Yahoo and Google were formed, is located at Silicon Valley. Visit the Google campus, home to...

Best Time: May to September

6. San Jose

4.2 /5

6 out of 30
Places to visit in California 9
Tourist attractions

San Jose is the cultural and political heart of the Silicon Valley and the oldest Spanish civilian settlement in California. The bustling city is a mingling of the area’s modern tech heritage along with the state’s colonial history. If you want to hit the beaches while visiting the city, the city’s ...

Best Time: May to September

7. Sacramento

2.5 /5

7 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Sacramento is the capital city of California and situated between two huge rivers. Established in 1849, the oldest incorporated city in the state is an oasis of leafy and shady trees. Nature-lovers should check out the Sacramento National Wildlife Sanctuary. Old Sacramento is a huge hit for the...

Best Time: May to September

8. Big Sur

4.3 /5

8 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Big Sur is a mountainous area on the Central California Coast. Located in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Big Sur is known for its drastic views. Named by Spanish settlers, the area was first known as the “Big Country of the South” which was later shortened to just Big Sur or the Big South. The drama...

Best Time: April to November

9. Monterey

3.8 /5

9 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Monterey is a coastal city located in the midst of rocky Central California. Originally, it was the capital city of California, and that’s why it’s home to the older buildings in the state. It is home to California’s first theater, public building, public library, public school, printing press, and ...

Best Time: April to May

10. Napa Valley

4.4 /5

10 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Napa Valley is the wine capital of the country, home to the legendary Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The Valley is located only a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. Each of the picturesque towns in the valley has something different and unique to offer to the visitors. 

Best Time: August to October

Best tourist destinations & places in California

11. Sonoma

3.9 /5

11 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County has a bit of everything for everyone. There are vineyard-filled valleys, extensive redwood forests, and a long coastline with many beaches and sea villages. Its Mediterranean climate allows for nearly all vegetables and fruits to be grown there, es...

Best Time: April to November

12. Napa

4.0 /5

12 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Napa Valley in California, USA is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. It offers a unique combination of world-class wineries, stunning landscapes, and luxurious accommodations. Located in the North San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley is home to over 400 wineries and is on...

Best Time: April - June, September - October

13. Anaheim

4.0 /5

13 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Anaheim, California, is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a sunny getaway. With its mild climate and convenient location, just minutes from Los Angeles, Anaheim is a great place to explore the sights and attractions that Southern California has to offer.

Best Time: March - May, September - November

14. Pasadena

3.8 /5

14 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Pasadena, USA, located in the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County, is a great place to visit for travelers. It is renowned for its beautiful architecture, vibrant cultural scene and excellent shopping facilities. The city is home to the Rose Bowl, the Norton Simon Museum of Art, and is the birt...

Best Time: April - June, September - October

15. Hollywood

3.7 /5

15 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Hollywood, USA is a must-visit destination for travelers. Located in Los Angeles, California, the city is renowned for its iconic movie studios, landmarks, and attractions. With its glitzy movie premieres, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and the TCL Chinese Theatre, it has become one...

Best Time: June - August

16. Palm Desert

3.7 /5

16 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Palm Desert is a beautiful desert oasis located in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. It is a perfect getaway for travelers looking for a peaceful and serene vacation. With its breathtakingly beautiful landscape, Palm Desert is a paradise for golfers, hikers, and nature lovers. From world-...

Best Time: November - March

17. Oakland

3.7 /5

17 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Oakland, the eighth-most populous city in California, is the perfect destination for those looking for an urban getaway. Located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland offers an array of activities and attractions for travelers.

Best Time: May - October

18. San Luis Obispo

3.7 /5

18 out of 30
Places to visit in California

San Luis Obispo is a small coastal city located in the central coast of California, USA. With stunning beaches, gorgeous sunsets, and miles of scenic hiking trails, San Luis Obispo is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxed escape.

Best Time: May - October

19. Fresno

3.3 /5

19 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Fresno, the fifth largest city in California, is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the Central Valley. Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is known for its diverse culture, historical sites, and outdoor activities.

Best Time: March - May, September - November

20. Bakersfield

3.2 /5

20 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Bakersfield is a city located in California, USA, and a popular tourist destination. It is located in the southern Central Valley of the state, and is an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Tourists can explore the city's attractions, such as the Kern County Museum, the Buck Owens...

Best Time: March - May, September - November

21. Carlsbad

3.2 /5

21 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Carlsbad, located in the state of California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It is known for its stunning beaches, diverse attractions, and year-round mild climate. The city is also home to Legoland California, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions...

Best Time: April - October

22. Morro Bay

3.8 /5

22 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Morro Bay is a coastal city in California, USA, located on the Pacific Coast. It is a popular tourist destination for its awe-inspiring scenery and outdoor activities. It is a perfect destination for eco-tourists and nature-lovers, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday li...

Best Time: June - August

23. Oceanside

3.7 /5

23 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Oceanside, USA is a picturesque beach town located in the southern part of California. With its mild climate, long stretches of beaches, and eclectic mix of activities, Oceanside is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a relaxing beach holiday.

Best Time: June - August

24. Long Beach

3.5 /5

24 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Long Beach, California is an amazing destination for travelers looking for exciting activities, beaches, and unique attractions. Located in Los Angeles County, Long Beach is a coastal city that offers plenty of activities for travelers of all ages. The Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, and th...

Best Time: June - August

25. San Clemente

3.4 /5

25 out of 30
Places to visit in California

San Clemente, USA, is a coastal city located in California's Orange County. It offers a pleasant and laidback atmosphere and is known for its stunning beaches, mild climate, and vast outdoor attractions. From the picturesque cliffs of Trestles to the iconic San Clemente Pier, San Clemente is a parad...

Best Time: June - August

26. Pismo Beach

3.4 /5

26 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Pismo Beach, located in the Central Coast of California, is a popular tourist destination. With its stunning beaches, great surfing spots, and plenty of outdoor activities, Pismo Beach is ideal for a sunny beach getaway.

Best Time: June - August

27. Fort Bragg

3.0 /5

27 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Fort Bragg is a stunning coastal city located in California, USA. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, spectacular redwood forests, and majestic coastal bluffs. It is also home to the famous Glass Beach where you can find unique and beautiful pieces of glass that have been smoothed by the ocean....

Best Time: May - September

28. Truckee

3.4 /5

28 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Truckee, USA is a small town located in the Sierra Nevada mountains near the California-Nevada border. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, and more. The town offers amazing mountain views, unique shops and restaur...

Best Time: June - September

29. South Lake Tahoe

3.3 /5

29 out of 30
Places to visit in California

South Lake Tahoe, USA is a picturesque destination located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the border of California and Nevada. It is a perfect place for travelers looking for an outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and skiing.

Best Time: December - March, June - August

30. Mammoth Lakes

3.1 /5

30 out of 30
Places to visit in California

Mammoth Lakes, USA is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a unique experience. Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, this resort town is known for its incredible alpine beauty, spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant summer and winter activit...

Best Time: June - September