Between the South Mission Jetty and Pacific Beach Point stretch 3 miles (5 kilometers) of pure, unadulterated sun-kissed southern California beach scene. The center of this scene is Ocean Beach Pier, the largest concrete pier on the West Coast, perfect for strolling, fishing, and just watching the waves. Though currently closed for repairs, the pier remains a beloved landmark and symbol of Ocean Beach’s vintage California vibe.
The Petersen Automotive Museum celebrates the history, culture, and design of cars through one of the world’s most impressive vehicle collections. The building spans three floors and 25 galleries, with seasonal exhibits and a diverse collection of more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display at any one time. Come here to browse rare vehicles and understand how automobiles have shaped American culture.
When outdoorsy San Franciscans need a nature fix, they head to the Marin Headlands, a wildlife haven on the coast known for its hiking trails, Pacific Ocean views, and historic sites. Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the headlands sit just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County.
The San Diego Convention Center is a staple venue in the Southern California city. The impressively equipped space hosts many famous events and happenings—most notably, the entertainment bonanza that is Comic-Con International. Visitors can enjoy the sunny, bayside views while attending one of the events held here, before walking over to the nearby restaurants and shops in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
San Diego's Embarcadero sits on the east side of San Diego Bay, and its waterfront promenades stretch along Harbor Drive—perfect for a leisurely stroll with many sightseeing opportunities and unobstructed views of Coronado Bridge. Its attractions include the Maritime Museum, USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and Embarcadero Marina Park.
Discover which sea creatures call the waters of Northern California home at San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay. Conveniently located at Pier 39—just adjacent to the lively Fisherman’s Wharf area—the aquarium fits easily into a day out in the city. Visitors of all ages can marvel at jellyfish, view river otters, and experience immersive exhibits like the shark tunnel.
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) is one of the world’s most recognizable indoor arenas. Known for hosting top-tier sports and entertainment events, it’s home to several sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. The multi-purpose stadium also hosts concerts and other touring shows.
Located at the base of Mount Saint Helena in Napa Valley, Calistoga is known for its laid-back charm, natural hot springs, and volcanic-ash mud baths. In addition to numerous spa resorts, Calistoga also offers proximity to world-class wineries and plentiful restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.
One of the most famous religious monuments in the state, Santa Barbara’s Old Mission, known as “Queen of the Missions,” is also one of the longest continuously operating missions in California. First constructed in 1786—and still a Franciscan friary and active place of worship today—the landmark is known for its grand bell towers, picturesque gardens, and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean, as well as its history.
Perched along California’s Central Coast, Hearst Castle is the ostentatious creation of William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. This 90,000-square-foot (8,361-square-meter) hilltop estate was built between 1919 and 1947, and comprises a whopping 165 rooms and 127 acres (51.4 hectares) of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. Today, the landmark is open to the public and offers a glimpse back at the golden age of Hollywood.
For a day of fun in the sun, head down to the Santa Barbara Waterfront, where walking paths, bike trails, beaches, and the palm tree–lined Shoreline Park await. Leisure lovers can stroll to the end of the wharf to admire views of the city backed by the Santa Ynez mountains, while active travelers can bike, swim, surf, kayak, paddle, or join a pick-up game of beach volleyball on famous East Beach.
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular—and attractive—natural sights in the area. The second-deepest lake in the United States attracts people partly thanks to its turquoise, ultra-clear water, but its beauty is not its only draw. Celebrated for its ski resorts, beaches, and hiking trails, Lake Tahoe is a true year-round destination.
Located between La Jolla and Mission Beach, Pacific Beach (or PB, as the locals refer to it), is one of the most popular beach towns and beaches in San Diego. A favorite with a younger crowd and families, Pacific Beach offers miles of sand and surf, a boardwalk, plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and a lively nightlife scene.
If Death Valley National Park is known for its environmental extremes, then nowhere epitomizes that better than Badwater Basin. Set in the southern portion of the park, this saltwater drainage basin is the lowest and hottest place in North America—and its natural salt flats lend it an otherworldly, almost lunar appearance.
When the sun breaks through the clouds in San Francisco, the Mission District feels it first, and locals flock to Mission Dolores Park to soak up those rays and enjoy picnics and lawn games on the grass. Noted for its view of the San Francisco skyline and proximity to some of the city’s best places to eat, Dolores Park is the place to be on a sunny afternoon.
A rocky point at San Francisco’s westernmost tip, Lands End is a shutterbug’s dream. With epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Coast, and ruins of Sutro Baths, Lands End is one of the most beautiful spots in California. If that weren’t enough to get you there, it’s also a destination for hiking, connected to vivid green, cypress- and chaparral-lined trails overlooking shipwrecks and secluded beaches.
Fashioned after a 14th-century Tuscan castle, Castello di Amorosa looks like it belongs on an Italian postcard instead of in the heart of California wine country. The Napa Valley winery produces a selection of premium red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines, but many visitors are drawn by the eight-level structure itself, which includes five defensive towers, a drawbridge, and a moat.
Shelter Island is only 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long—and it’s technically a peninsula, rather than an island—but this self-contained neighborhood in Point Loma still feels worlds away from San Diego’s bustle. Poised at the entrance to San Diego Bay, Shelter Island is known for its peaceful, nautical vibe, complete with beaches, marinas, a boardwalk, and resort hotels.
In a city known for its beaches, Mount Soledad stands out as the mountain worth visiting. The highest coastal point in sunny San Diego overlooks the palm tree–lined Pacific Beach and the bluffs of Torrey Pines. The mountain is home to the the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, which honors living and deceased veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present day. On a clear day, 360-degree views of the La Jolla shores, the bridge to Coronado Island, Mission Bay, and even the mountains of Mexico can be seen.
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic San Francisco structure that has been captured in countless photographs for decades. For travelers vying for the perfect snapshot, visit Sausalito's Vista Point for views of the bridge and San Francisco skyline in the distance.
If de Young Museum’s Herzog & de Meuron architectural design doesn’t capture your attention, the bird’s-eye view of Golden Gate Park from the observation tower will. Wander the collections of Oceanic and American art, as well as galleries of impressive textiles and decorative arts.
Once the flagship of the Cunard White Star Line, the elegant ocean liner RMS Queen Mary sailed between England's Southampton, France's Cherbourg, and New York City from 1936 to 1967. Now permanently moored in the city of Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary has since been transformed into a floating hotel, restaurant, special events venue, and one of the area's key tourist attractions.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its dedication to ocean conservation. It's among the top aquariums in the US, and has a privileged location on California's Pacific Coast. Highlights include exhibit areas such as the Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, and the Open Sea. Collectively, the aquarium is home to more than 700 species of marine mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates—the sea otters and giant Pacific octopuses are particularly popular.
In the eastern area of Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows provides a peaceful alternative to the popular Yosemite Valley region of the park. A large, subalpine meadow surrounded by high granite domes and majestic peaks, Tuolumne Meadows is home to a vast array of wildlife, hiking trails, pristine alpine lakes, and world-class rock climbing.
California’s oldest working wharf, Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf is home to restaurants and an aquarium. It’s a great place for a sunset stroll in the city.
One of Long Beach’s top attractions, the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to thousands of aquatic animals that reflect the diverse marine life of the Pacific Ocean. Species on display range from seahorses and starfish to turtles, sea otters, sharks, and even a giant Pacific octopus. The nonprofit organization is the largest aquarium in Southern California, and its more than 100 exhibits shed light on the conservation efforts of the Pacific’s crucial ocean habitats.
A commercial fixture in Santa Monica since the 1960s, this open-air, car-free three-block-long pedestrian mall (on Third Street between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway) was re-designed in 1989 and officially named the Third Street Promenade. Only two blocks east of the amusements of the Santa Monica Pier, the promenade is one of the most popular tourist destinations on LA's Westside.
If walls could talk, the Whaley House could fill history books. Completed in 1857, the Greek Revival House in San Diego’s Old Town has served as a family home, general store, theater, and county courthouse. Today, visitors mostly come looking for a good scare, as the Whaley House is considered one of the most haunted places in the US.
The popular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway soars over Chino Canyon and Mt. San Jacinto State Park, covering more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) during a 10-minute journey. Take in the scenery while the rotating aerial tramcars—some of the largest in the world—offer 360-degree views of the desert valley, then enjoy a range of activities at the upper station, 8,516 feet (2,595 meters) above sea level.
Early 20th-century architecture is typically the main draw of LA’s Historic Core, a storied stretch of Downtown Los Angeles centered around Pershing Square. You can visit art deco buildings and admire downtown views with a ride on the historic Angels Flight funicular, whether touring independently or with a guide.
