Things to do in  California

A former federal prison that held notorious criminals Al Capone and George Kelly, Alcatraz is now a National Historic Landmark and one of the most sought-after attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Highlights include touring what’s left of the maximum-security facility, hearing stories from former inmates, and sailing past the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the craggy isle.

Home to one of the world’s last remaining coastal redwood forests, Muir Woods National Monument allows travelers to hike, relax, or picnic among giant Northern California trees only minutes from San Francisco. This protected nature reserve is also part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, home to Fort Baker and Stinson Beach—the park’s only lifeguarded beach.

If one landmark embodies San Francisco’s breezy, graceful beauty, it’s the Golden Gate Bridge; you may have seen it on postcards, travel guides, screensavers, and social media, but nothing can prepare you for the real thing. This art deco structure spans the Golden Gate strait between the City and Marin County. Drive, bike, or walk across—and stop to look out onto the San Francisco Bay or as far as the Farallon Islands on a clear day.

Step aboard a floating piece of American history at the USS Midway Museum, one of San Diego’s most visited attractions. This retired aircraft carrier offers an up-close look at life at sea, with more than 60 exhibits—including more than 30 restored aircraft—and interactive displays throughout the ship. From walking the flight deck to climbing into cockpits, the experience brings naval aviation to life in a way that’s hands-on, family-friendly, and unforgettable.

A natural harbor spanned by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the picturesque San Francisco Bay is the defining feature of California’s Bay Area. Get out on the chilly, choppy water—or just savor the views from the shoreline as the fog rolls in.

The highest measured waterfall in North America and the sixth-highest in the world, Yosemite Falls is the superstar attraction in Yosemite National Park. With a cumulative drop of 2,425 feet (739 meters), Yosemite Falls comprises three falls and is especially stunning in late spring when the snow melts and water flow is at its peak.

Spanning 1,000-plus acres (412 hectares) between Haight-Ashbury and Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park is one of the city’s largest and most popular green spaces. The park is home to museums, botanical gardens, hiking and biking paths, and more. From the attraction-laden east end to the wilder west side where bison roam, the park offers plenty of ways to relax, get a culture fix, exercise, or gather with friends.

Only in Los Angeles are stars so common that they can be found on the sidewalk. Featuring more than 2,800 brass stars along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic tribute to celebrities past and present. No trip to Hollywood is complete without strolling its length and finding stars belonging to your favorite, ahem, stars.

Though the San Francisco Bay Bridge doesn't share the fame of the Golden Gate, the beauty of its recently reconstructed east span is beyond debate. Locals know it as the best way to cross between Oakland and San Francisco, while travelers enjoy its storied history, Yerba Buena Island connection, and stunning light displays.

Scottish-born conservationist John Muir, who spearheaded Yosemite National Park’s founding, famously wrote, “No temple made with hands can compare.” While the phrase may seem cliché, many would argue it’s true. Of Yosemite’s natural landmarks, Half-Dome, the mammoth rock formation that looks like a mountain from another planet, is best known, but hardly less inspiring than the high-altitude meadows, giant sequoia groves, and waterfalls dispersed over this expanse of protected wilderness.

Visitors flock to Coit Tower to take in views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other landmarks. With its perch in Pioneer Park atop Telegraph Hill, the 210-foot-high (64-meter-high) tower, built in 1933, offers some of the best panoramic photo ops in the city.

Sprawling and stunning, San Diego’s Balboa Park is a nexus for culture, nature, history, and recreation. The various gardens are home to flora from around the world—from the eucalyptus-perfumed paths of the Australian Garden to the delicate magnolia and cherry blossoms of the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum. Hosting more than a dozen museums, assorted sports complexes, and attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park is a must-visit.

Despite its name, San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood does not border the water and has no sandy spots. But its position between Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero makes it one of the city’s most popular areas for visitors and locals, all of whom enjoy its Italian eateries, Beat history, quiet park, and nightlife scene.

One of the most famous shopping districts in the world, Rodeo Drive attracts a well-heeled crowd of label lovers who exercise their credit cards at designer shops like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany, and Gucci. Between the elegant storefronts, luxury cars, and swaying palm trees, it’s a Hollywood movie scene come to life.

Once the stomping grounds of Italian fishermen, Fisherman’s Wharf is now one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist destinations. The bustling waterfront strip is filled with souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and a wealth of family-friendly attractions—most notably a colony of sea lions that sunbathes and poses for photos on Pier 39. It’s also the departure point for many San Francisco bus tours and other sightseeing excursions.