Since so many movies are filmed in California using Hollywood as a backdrop, people around the globe are convinced that California is one of the best possible places to live in. There’s a slew of reasons why California is so heavily glamorized by the masses.
For starters, the weather in California is unbeatable. In nearby states like Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, the weather is usually never as pleasant as it is in California. In states that are farther away on the East Coast or in the Midwest, it’s common to deal with snowfall and wind chill. In California, snowfall only occurs in a small handful of blissful mountain towns.
The beloved western state stretches across nearly 900 miles of land full of deserts, farmland, beaches, mountains, and forests. Since loads of people flock to California every year for vacations and relocations, there’s currently a population of 139.03 million residents. California’s become a competitive place to live since non-locals are increasingly interested in making the move. Because of that fact, the cost of living in California has reached outrageously high levels in recent years.
On average, people are paying close to $3,000 in monthly rent to get by in the Golden State. Whether California is the type of place you’d want to live forever or it’s simply a place you’d visit, there are several must-see destinations to fit into the perfect itinerary. On the topic of California, click here to uncover 20 things the state is known for.
To gather this list of the 20 must-see destinations in California right now, 24/7 Tempo consulted several travel-centered sources. These include Visit California, Tour Scanner, Discover Los Angeles, and San Francisco Travel.
Golden Gate Bridge
When taking a trip to California, making a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge is a smart move. The eye-catching suspension bridge is located in San Francisco taking up 1.7 miles of space. The reason the Golden Gate Bridge was built in the first place was to connect San Francisco to Marin County.
As of now, people refer to the Golden Gate Bridge as a symbol of progression within the United States. It also represents the sentiment of power in America. Don’t be fooled by the name, by the way. Although it’s called the “Golden” Gate Bridge, it’s actually a bright reddish-orange color. A team of construction workers worked diligently for four years to build the Golden Gate Bridge, and it was completed in 1937.
Disneyland Park
What would a trip to California be without stopping at Disneyland Park for some amusement? Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California. The theme park is full of family-friendly rides, excursions, and activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Disneyland first opened its doors on July 17, 1955, after getting a green light from animation film producer, Walt Disney.
He had a fairytale-like vision in mind for the theme park and he wanted it to match the magic of the movies he produced. His vision certainly came to life. The slogan for Disneyland is that it’s, “The happiest place on earth.” Disneyland offers a firework show at the end of the night, tons of restaurants, retail therapy options, a stunning wedding venue, and characters in costumes for photo opportunities.
The Hollywood Sign
Taking pictures in front of the Hollywood sign has become common for people visiting California. Interestingly enough, it’s not possible to stand right next to the Hollywood sign since it’s blocked off by tons of barring. Still, people can hike to the bottom of the hill where the Hollywood sign is placed. The bottom of the hill still allows the chance for folks to snap all the pictures they want.
The original Hollywood sign was placed on a lush green hill in 1923. At first, it said “Hollywoodland.” Overtime, it was updated to say “Hollywood” alone. Real estate agents who wanted to promote property sales in the Hollywood Hills came up with the brilliant idea to place the iconic sign in its position. It might’ve been created as a publicity stunt for mansion sales, but it has since become one of the most noteworthy and recognizable symbols of California.
Catalina Island
People looking to experience the sweetness of an Italian vacation without leaving America can take on that feeling when visiting Catalina Island. Catalina Island is only 22 miles long and eight miles wide, yet it makes quite an impact on vacationers. Despite it’s small size, it has much to offer anyone who enjoys spending time by the ocean. Catalina Island is undeniably picturesque since it’s full of gorgeous beaches, clear blue waters, lush greenery, and stunningly tall palm trees.
You’ll find charming coastal towns, boating activities, restaurants with delectable menus, classy architecture, and tons of backdrops for pictures and videos. Fun things Catalina Island guests can do in the water include scuba diving, snorkeling, and lap swimming. Everything about Catalina Island boasts a laid-back and relaxing experience for folks who are ready to unwind.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego zoo is located in San Diego, California. Guests who are interested in seeing wild animals in the flesh will come across exactly what they’re looking for at this jaw-dropping destination. There are more than 4,000 animals housed at the San Diego Xoo including leopards, anacondas, camels, cheetahs, alligators, elephants, and giraffes. San Diego Zoo guests will also come across grizzly bears, eagles, jaguars, hippos, king cobras, Komodo dragons, and lions.
In short, there’s no shortage of exciting animals to see at the San Diego Zoo. Beyond checking out the wildlife with your own two eyes, there are also restaurants, gift shops full of souvenirs, botanical tours, and play areas for little ones to enjoy. Another interesting detail about the San Diego Zoo? Eight gorgeous wedding venues are available on property for brides and grooms to book.
Universal Studio Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is an incredible destination to visit in California. Although Universal Studios Hollywood is often compared to Disneyland, these two theme parks couldn’t be more different. Universal Studios Hollywood caters to a the young adult crowd, although it’s still counts as being family-friendly for younger guests. Disneyland is geared toward youngsters.
Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Universal City, California with a portion of the park falling within the city limits of Los Angeles. The divine theme park is full of rides and attractions including Harry Potter’s Wizarding World. It also recently added Super Nintendo World for video game fans of Mario and Luigi. On average, people planning to visit Universal Studios Hollywood should carve out six to seven hours to enjoy everything the theme park has to offer.
Napa Valley
Adults who appreciate a nice glass of wine should consider adding Napa Valley to their California itinerary. Napa Valley is located north of San Francisco. It’s full of hundreds of hillside vineyards where wine drinking is the norm. There are endless wine tours and wine tasting events to schedule for yourself (or your group) when spending time in Napa Valley.
There are tons of luxurious hotels, inns, and resorts to lay your head down in while visiting Napa Valley as well. Some of the most noteworthy wineries include Louis M. Martini Winery, Hess Persson Estate, and Pine Ridge Vineyards. These wineries have been around for decades with scenic views and flavorful beverage options.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is worth seeing with your own two eyes at least once. The walk itself can be crowded, but it’s the true embodiment of old Hollywood glamour. Since the Hollywood Walk of Fame exists as a way to honor some of the most world-renowned and famous celebrities to ever live, it’s a great place to show respect to your favorite stars.
It’s also known as a prime California spot where people can take pictures to reflect on in the future. Some of the beloved celebrities, who’ve earned stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame so far include Muhammad Ali, Sandra Bullock, and The Beach Boys. Athletes, actors, bands, solo musicians, comedians, and other famous individuals have received this high honor in the past.
The Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier has more to offer than a simple fishing pier located in Santa Monica, California. This family-friendly area includes tons of concession stands, shopping options, and restaurants. The best part of all? It offers a small amusement park. The rides at Santa Monica Pier include a classic merry-go-round, a roller coaster, and a Ferris wheel.
There’s also an arcade full of old-school games for people of all ages to enjoy. The souvenirs available for purchase at Santa Monica Pier are endless. Guests will come across T-shirts, hats, towels, shot glasses, tote bags, postcards, magnets, paper weights, and more. Santa Monica Pier touches the ocean, which means guests are welcome to hit the water for a swim or surf session whenever they’re ready.
The Griffith Observatory
Heading over to Los Angeles means you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Griffith Observatory. Guests can access the Griffith Observatory if they hope to see views through telescopes, explore various exhibits, and watch live shows that take place inside the Samuel Austin Planetarium.
Laying eyes on the Hollywood sign from the Griffith Observatory is something special as well. One of the best details regarding the Griffith Observatory is that it’s completely free to enter. The grounds and building at the Griffith Observatory are fully accessible for all interested parties. Just keep in mind that weekends, holiday breaks, and summer seasons can be super crowded with youngsters who aren’t stuck in school.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz is an island in California located 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco. In the mid-19 century, the island was developed as a military prison with a lighthouse attached. Alcatraz was first established in 1934 and currently covers 22 acres of land. Before it became well-known as a federal penitentiary, Indian tribes used Alcatraz as the place where they could safely gather food to eat.
As of now, Alcatraz is also known as the Island of Incarceration and Island of Freedom. The island itself is a representation of humanity and justice. America’s prison population currently stands around 1.2 million people. With so many people locked up and living their lives behind bars, the history of Alcatraz will forever be important.
Hearst Castle
When people think of castles, they often think of European countries full of gorgeous architecture and tall-standing buildings. In California, guests will across a massively impressive castle in San Luis Obispo County. Hearst Castle was built between 1919 and 1947. William Randolph Hearst decided that a castle would suit him best after a successful career as a publishing tycoon.
Hearst Castle covers 127 acres of land with room tours available throughout the property. During the holidays, it’s possible for guests to book twilight evening tours when nighttime lighting looks the most beautiful. Ticket prices range from $15 to $30 based on your age range.
The USS Midway Museum
Learning about the history of America can be quite interesting. USS Midway Museum is an eye-opening place to visit for people who are curious to know more about America’s history at its core. The historical naval aircraft carrier museum is located in downtown San Diego, California. Ticket prices range from $22 to $32 based on your age range.
It’s been suggested that visitors carve out at least three to four hours to spend at USS Midway Museum. That timeframe allows people to take in everything they’re curious about during one trip. Some of the exhibits and activities available at USS Midway Museum include the Midway Virtual Tour, the Aircraft Gallery, the Flight Simulator, and the Guided Island Tour.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located near Twentynine Palms in Southern California. This national park was named after all the native Joshua trees located throughout the Mojave desert. In 1936, Joshua Tree was declared a national monument and re-designated as a full-fledged national park in 1984.
The California Desert Protection act was passed by the US Congress that year, which is why it was re-designated in the first place. Some notable things to do at Joshua Tree National Park include visiting Cottonwood Spring, checking out Skull Rock geological formations, experimenting with rock climbing, and hiking through Cholla Cactus Garden.
The original McDonald’s
When it comes to fast food, is there another franchise that’s equally as beloved as McDonald’s? The original McDonald’s is now open for visitors as a museum in San Bernardino. It’s been argued that the McDonald’s that opened in Des Plaines, Illinois was the first-ever McDonald’s open its doors, but that claim is completely false.
The Illinois location opened 15 years after the original joint in San Bernardino. As of now, it’s totally free to visit the original McDonald’s museum location. If you’re a true McDonald’s fan, the museum is likely exactly what you might expect it to be like. There are large decorations shaped like hamburgers, flags with the McDonald’s logo printed on them, and toys from the days of the Ronald McDonald clown mascot.
Yosemite National Park
Just like Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park is another wonderful outdoor place to visit in California. For some perspective, Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s full of beautiful waterfalls and scenic views. It’s the type of destination that professional photographers adore.
Nearly 4 million people visit Yosemite National Park on an annual basis, which stands as proof that this is a top spot for any Californian itinerary you might be building. The hotels, restaurants, and shopping options at Yosemite National Park are worth exploring. There are also loads of campgrounds that can be reserved for people using outdoor tents or RVs for their trip.
Big Sur
There’s a lot to explore in the great outdoors of California. Another natural wonder that garners endless attention from visitors happens to be Big Sur. The rugged stretch of land is located smack dab between San Simeon and Carmel. Since the coastline is so unique, tons of people have labeled Big Sur as a beautiful travel destination that shouldn’t be ignored or neglected.
Visiting Pfeiffer Beach, hanging out at Garrapata State Park, and swimming at Sand Dollar beach are just a small handful of activities people enjoy at Big Sur. The best word to use when describing the hiking trails of Big Sur is “epic.” The hiking trails are breathtaking with majestic views to observe from every angle.
First-ever In-N-Out
Based on the decorations people see when stepping into any In-N-Out restaurant, it’s easy to know exactly where the fast food franchise started. Back in 1948, a man named Harry Snyder introduced California to the first In-N-Out drive-through hamburger stand in Baldwin Park. Snyder’s mission was to serve fast food made with the freshest ingredients possible.
He would visit produce markets and meat shops every morning before opening the doors of In-N-Out to be sure his guests were dining on the best food selection he could provide. To this day, In-N-Out Burger is beloved with multiple locations in different places throughout the United States. The first ever In-N-Out can be visited by just about anyone who’s curious to see it for themselves.
Dodger Stadium
Sports lovers have a lot to appreciate when it comes to Dodger Stadium. Foljs who enjoy watching major-league baseball can root for the Los Angeles Dodgers when hanging out at Dodger Stadium in Elysian Park. Dodger Stadium originally opened its doors in 1962 off of a budget of $23 million.
As of now, Dodger Stadium sees annual revenues of more than $580 million each year. It’s clear that Dodger Stadium was a brilliant investment. The Dodgers are beloved by Californians since they’re a talented baseball team that’s taken home several World Series championships. The most recent World Series championship won by the Dodgers took place in 2020.
Mammoth Mountain
Folks who enjoy snowy weather can access exactly what they’re looking for at Mammoth Mountain. Mammoth Mountain has the highest lift-served summit in California since it stands at 11,053 feet. It offers year-round activities and lodging, making it the most popular four-season mountain resort in the Golden State.
The winters in Mammoth Mountain are ideal for snowboarding, skiing, sledding, and more. Folks who enjoy snowy outdoor activities without feeling forced to leave the West Coast are in luck with the existence of Mammoth Mountain. There’s so much more to adore about California, which is probably why tons of celebrities were born in the state. Click here to meet the 10 biggest musicians from California.