Attractions and Places To See in California - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in California include a diverse array of iconic landmarks, vast natural features, and rich cultural sites. The state offers a wide range of experiences, from towering redwood forests and expansive deserts to historic cities and coastal wonders. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes and points of interest across its extensive regions.
Best attractions and places to see in California
- The most popular attractions is Golden Gate Bridge, a bridge that links the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. This suspension bridge is an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and offers views of the city and bay.
- Another must-see spot is General Sherman Tree, a natural monument located in Sequoia National Park. This giant sequoia is known as one of the largest and oldest trees on Earth.
- Visitors also love Nevada Fall, a 594-foot high waterfall on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. It is recognized by its "bent" shape and the mist it produces, offering views of the Yosemite Valley.
- California is known for its famous national parks, iconic landmarks, and diverse cultural sites. The state provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural wonders to man-made marvels.
- The attractions in California are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 15 upvotes and 27 photos shared.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Half Dome Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Golden Gate Bridge
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
While crossing, you can gaze up at the towering beams above or look down into the deep waters of the San Francisco Strait below you as sailboats drift by in the mouth of the Bay. Traveling along the Bridge can be cold, windy, and foggy, even in the summer, so dress appropriately.
At the south end, you can purchase a souvenir at the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion and visit the café next to the visitor center. Restrooms are at both the north and south ends, and cyclists have toll-free access to the Bridge's sidewalks 24 hours a day. A bike ride across this extraordinary Bridge is an adventure you don't want to miss!
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Vernal Fall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Fort Point
Highlight • Historical Site
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Pier 39 & Sea Lions, San Francisco
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
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Nevada Fall
Highlight • Waterfall
Nevada Fall is a 594-foot (181 m) high waterfall on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California. It is located below the granite dome, Liberty Cap, at the west end of Little Yosemite Valley. The waterfall is widely recognized by its "bent" shape, in which the water free-falls for roughly the first third of its length to a steep slick-rock slope. This mid-fall impact of the water on the cliff face creates a turbulent, whitewater appearance in the fall and produces a great deal of mist which covers a wide radius, which led to its current name (Nevada is a Spanish word meaning "snowy"). Wikipedia.
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Lombard Street — Crookedest Block
Highlight • Structure
Lombard Street runs from the Presidio to Telegraph Hill across San Francisco. The winding part of the road is located on Russian Hill and extends over just one block between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. At this point, it was one of the city's steepest streets with a 27 percent gradient, which was problematic for many cars and pedestrians. Therefore, it was rebuilt in 1922 in serpentine form as a one-way street (bergabführend). The only two blocks away Filbert Street even has a gap of 31.5 percent, but was not defused and so could serve in many films (including Bullitt) as a "ski jump." (Wikipedia)
Translated by Google •
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General Sherman Tree
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Back of the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Mist Trail: Vernal & Nevada Falls, Yosemite
Highlight (Segment) • Waterfall
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Popular around California
Triathlon 360 – my journey around the world
John Muir Trail – Along the legendary trail through the magical Sierra Nevada
American Discovery Trail — Walking from sea to shining sea
Bay Area Ridge Trail — Circumnavigating the San Francisco Bay
The Sierra High Route — Solitude in California's alpine country
Bikepacking California — Into The Desert
Adventure Cycling Association's Bicycle Route 66 — LA to Chicago
Oregon Timber Trail — High heat
Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada – 4,200 kilometres of wilderness
Cottonwood Lakes Loop — Exploring the Golden Trout Wilderness
Other adventures in California
Tips from the Community
Unmissable, yes this sign is legendary! We did the excursion from the Griffith Observatory and the trail is not particularly well indicated. The walk is nice (a little sporty) but at times the path is very narrow, lost in the vegetation and I admit that with the risk of fires you have to be vigilant. Don't forget to bring enough water. Excursion made at the beginning of September 2024, it was a heatwave.
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The Mist Trail is much easier to hike uphill in early summer (snowmelt) than downhill because it becomes very slippery. Instead of returning the same way, it's recommended to head a little further upstream, turning right, onto the John Muir Trail—not only because of the slippery descent, but also because this leads to the best vantage point for Vernal Falls (marked on the map). Especially when the Merced River is full, the view is spectacular. The descent on the John Muir Trail is then much easier. Warning for photographers: During snowmelt, only take photos in the "splash zone" with a truly waterproof (submersible!) camera—and pack any other camera in a completely waterproof bag beforehand and only unpack it again at the top. Several careless camera owners have destroyed their equipment on this trail. I once heard a man at the top complaining about a broken Hasselblad – it was in his backpack, but obviously not completely waterproof. The fine mist penetrates everywhere, and even with a rain jacket, you end up wet like you've just taken a shower. On warm summer days, the trail is extremely crowded, with several thousand visitors on just a few kilometers of trail.
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Awesome spot for a 360 view! Just note, there's no shade up there. Take your breaks in shade on the road up and then stay for the views and wind.
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You get really wet when you go up the steps at Verna Fall
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For me, one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done. These gigantic trees are so graceful and beautiful, it smells wonderful - simply fantastic.
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Pier 39 is of course not just about the famous sea lions. You can really spend a day hanging out here. Preferably with small children, because then you'll quickly become poor. ;-) Best combined with a trip to Alcatraz. Very exciting!
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Hikers first glimpse the massive General Sherman Tree from this spot on the General Sherman Tree Trail. Just around the bend, you can reach the base of the tree, but even from this spot, you can marvel at its immense size and grandeur.
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If there is a lot of water in the Merced River (early summer), then it is definitely worth taking the path from Vernal Falls up to the John Muir Trail, as marked on my route: The photo of the waterfall from there is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful photos in the entire park. This return route is also recommended for another reason, especially at this time of year: The Mist Trail leads steeply down slippery, wet steps up to half a meter high - and is not pleasant to walk downhill, especially not at this time of year with a lot of water on it. If you really want to do the fog/rain hike, it is better to go uphill. In terms of photo opportunities, early summer is the best time of year in the entire park. Important: Always pack a rain jacket if you are going on a long tour: The weather can change (even contrary to the weather forecast) faster than you can walk back. I have seen people walk the entire route from Half Dome to the valley (around 4 hours) in shorts and a t-shirt in pouring rain, you should avoid that. PS: I did this hike in 2004, back then there was no (affordable) GPS - so the tracking data is fake, the photos and the paths are not. Just in case someone stumbles across the GPS coordinates that correspond exactly to the Komoot map.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and national parks should I visit in California?
California boasts an incredible range of natural beauty. You can explore the vast wildflower-strewn meadows and towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park, or witness the unique landscapes of Death Valley National Park, including Badwater Basin. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are home to the world's largest trees, such as the General Sherman Tree. Other notable parks include Joshua Tree National Park with its iconic trees and boulders, and Redwood National and State Parks, famous for the world's tallest trees.
Are there any unique natural phenomena to see in California?
Yes, California offers several unique natural phenomena. You can visit Mono Lake, an ancient lake known for its distinctive tufa spires. Lassen Volcanic National Park features active hydrothermal areas like Bumpass Hell with mud pots and hot pools. The Mojave Lava Tubes in San Bernardino County offer unique underground exploration, and Bowling Ball Beach at Point Arena features spherical stones visible at low tide.
Where can I find ancient trees in California?
California is home to some of the world's oldest and largest trees. In Sequoia National Park, you can visit the General Sherman Tree, one of the largest and oldest trees on Earth. The Redwood National and State Parks are famous for their magnificent ancient redwood trees, including the world's tallest. Additionally, the Methuselah Tree, a 4,800-year-old Great Basin bristlecone pine, can be found in the White Mountains near Big Pine.
What historical sites can I explore in California?
California has a rich history reflected in its numerous sites. You can visit Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, a former federal prison. Hearst Castle in San Simeon is a historic mansion designed by Julia Morgan. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves the early history of San Diego, while Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park marks the site where gold was first discovered. Sacramento also offers historic sites like the California State Capitol Museum and the California State Railroad Museum.
Are there family-friendly attractions in California?
Absolutely! California offers many family-friendly attractions. In San Francisco, Pier 39 is popular for its sea lions and entertainment. Fort Point, located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, is also considered family-friendly. Beyond these, Disneyland in Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles are iconic entertainment destinations for families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do in California?
California offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including those leading to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park. The state also has extensive mountain biking trails and scenic cycling routes. For more ideas on outdoor adventures, you can explore the hiking, MTB, and cycling guides for California.
What are some popular hiking trails near California's attractions?
Many attractions in California are surrounded by excellent hiking opportunities. In Yosemite National Park, the Mist Trail is a popular choice, leading to both Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. For a challenging experience, the trail to Half Dome Summit offers incredible views. In Sequoia National Park, an easy trail leads to the General Sherman Tree. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Hiking in California guide.
What is the best time of year to visit California's attractions?
California's diverse climate means the best time to visit depends on your desired activities. Spring (March to May) offers pleasant weather for coastal areas and wildflowers in places like the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. Summer (June to August) is ideal for national parks like Yosemite, though they can be crowded. Fall (September to November) brings comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage, especially in wine country. Winter (December to February) is great for skiing in the Sierra Nevada or exploring deserts like Death Valley when temperatures are milder.
Are there attractions in California that are accessible by public transport?
Yes, several major attractions, especially in urban areas, are accessible via public transport. In San Francisco, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the historic San Francisco Cable Cars are well-connected. Many attractions within Los Angeles, such as the Griffith Observatory, can be reached by public transit. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to check local transit authority websites.
What are some iconic landmarks in San Francisco?
San Francisco is home to several world-renowned landmarks. The Golden Gate Bridge is an internationally recognized symbol, offering fantastic views. Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison, is another must-see. You can also visit Pier 39 to see the sea lions, or experience the unique curves of Lombard Street — Crookedest Block.
Where can I see the Hollywood Sign up close?
To get a close-up view of the Hollywood Sign, you can hike to the Back of the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee. This viewpoint offers a magnificent perspective over the Hollywood Hills and down to Los Angeles. Parking at Lake Hollywood and walking around is a popular way to experience the impressive views.
What are some unique coastal attractions in California?
California's coastline offers many unique attractions. Big Sur is a breathtaking stretch of Highway 1 with dramatic ocean views. The Santa Monica Pier is a historic recreational destination. Further north, Bowling Ball Beach at Point Arena features spherical shaped stones visible at low tide. Monterey Bay is excellent for whale watching, and La Jolla offers scenic beaches, sea caves, and opportunities for kayaking.
Are there any attractions with free parking in California?
While many popular attractions, especially in cities, may have paid parking, some natural sites and viewpoints offer free parking. For instance, some areas around the Golden Gate Bridge have free parking options, particularly on the north side. Many trailheads in national parks also offer free parking, though park entrance fees may apply. It's always advisable to check specific location details before your visit.
Most popular routes in California
Most popular attractions in California
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