California here we come: 8 must-see places in the Golden State

It’s hard to sum up a place as vast and diverse as California. With misty forests in the north, arid deserts in the south, and soft sandy beaches along the coast – plus vibrant high-rise cities – the Golden State really does have it all. Narrowing down the best places to visit in California is no easy task, but we’ve carefully done it. Read on to start planning your ultimate California vacation. 

Los Angeles 

The City of Angels is a sprawling patchwork of landscapes, from dusty hiking trails to cornsilk-coloured beaches, and lifestyles, with everything from Hollywood glamour to downtown grit. At the hip Venice Boardwalk, you’ll find street performers and rollerbladers, while the laid-back Santa Monica Pier draws a more bohemian crowd. Griffith Park Observatory offers the best views of the iconic Hollywood sign, and if you enjoy live music (and the occasional star-spotting), head to Sunset Boulevard. When you’re ready to slow down, travel further south to admire the colourful wood-panelled houses at Newport Beach or explore the hidden coves of Laguna Beach. 

Napa Valley 

California’s own wine country, this picturesque region is home to hundreds of hillside vineyards. Cover your tasting journey aboard the Wine Train, a vintage locomotive that loops around the valley and stops at different wineries. Two estates particularly worth a visit are Beringer, one of the region’s oldest wineries with a German-style property, and Del Dotto, a Venetian estate dotted with fountains. Grapes are harvested between August and October, making that the most popular time to visit, but the valley is also lovely in the spring, when masses of wildflowers come into bloom. 

San Francisco

Beauty, culture, vivacity: San Francisco’s got it all and more. While it may now be a booming tech hub, the city’s historic landmarks remain a huge part of its identity. Think the row of colourful Victorian houses known as the “painted ladies”, the cable cars still operating much as they did in the 1800s, the lively converted factories at Fisherman’s Wharf and, of course, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge. No attraction, however, beats Pier 39, where you can encounter some very special residents snoozing on the docks: San Francisco’s beloved sea lions. 

Lake Tahoe 

One third of it may be in Nevada, but Lake Tahoe still counts as one of the most beautiful places in California. Surrounded by mountains and pines, the lake boasts water so clear that you can see several metres down. The north shore is home to sleepy rustic towns like Tahoe City, where you can swim and kayak before retreating to a cosy wooden lodge. The atmosphere is a little livelier on the south shore, with shops, restaurants and night-time entertainment, while mountain resort Heavenly Village is enchanting in the winter, with a gondola that takes you up to the snowy ski slopes.  

Joshua Tree National Park 

The unique ecosystem of Joshua Tree National Park, with its bizarre rock formations and unusual cacti, formed over millions of years. As for the ubiquitous Joshua tree, it’s actually a type of yucca plant that was given its name by Mormon settlers in the area. As a designated dark zone, the park offers mesmerising views of the night sky, but be sure to plan thoroughly before camping over. Want that perfect sunset or sunrise shot? Keys View is your best vantage point.  

Santa Barbara 

Spanish colonial architecture, a Mediterranean climate and a relaxed pace of living have earned Santa Barbara its epithet as the “American Riviera”. This lovely coastal city invites you to explore its historic buildings with white stucco walls and red tile roofs, and to wander down its narrow paseos lined with artisanal shops. Out on the cerulean water, you can enjoy activities like surfing, sailing and paddleboarding. When you’ve soaked up enough sunshine, duck into one of the city’s old theatres for some world-class performing arts. 

Yosemite National Park 

One of the most visited national parks in the US, Yosemite is revered for a reason. Carved out by glaciers over thousands of years, this site of stunning natural beauty is home to ancient sequoias, steep granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Among the local fauna, you might spot squirrels, deer and even black bears. There are endless paths to explore, but most first-timers start at Yosemite Valley , where there are more accessible hiking trails as well as public amenities. Two must-see landmarks are Half Dome and El Capitan, giant granite rocks that rise more than 1,000m up from the valley floor. 

Big Sur 

This stretch of rugged Pacific Ocean coastline, along which snakes the famed Highway One, is practically synonymous with road trip. It’s an extensive route that’s best taken at a leisurely pace, so don’t feel pressured to do it all in one go. In the northern section, you can explore the brooks and redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , or catch some waves before watching the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach. Alternatively, head further south to snap a pic of the highly photogenic Bixby Bridge , which arches over a creek running through the mountains and into the ocean. The view is particularly resplendent at golden hour.  

Note: Parts of Highway 1 have been under construction due to a rockslide in early 2023, be sure to check the Caltrans site ahead of time to make sure where you’re heading is accessible, and check for Big Sur updates here . 

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