8 Best Attractions To Visit In California
Located along the western edge of the United States, California captivates visitors with its striking geographic contrasts, diverse landscapes, and world-renowned landmarks. From the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Lake Tahoe to the grandeur of Hearst Castle, the state boasts a diverse range of attractions, including dramatic scenery and iconic architectural sites. Travelers regularly discover celebrated natural settings and historic attractions, whether exploring Yosemite National Park or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. With so many memorable places spread across the state, here are the eight best attractions to visit in California.
Death Valley National Park
A place of incredible contrasts and extremes, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the contiguous United States. The park straddles the California-Nevada border, east of the Sierra Nevada. The boundaries include Death Valley, the northern section of Panamint Valley, the southern section of Eureka Valley, and most of Saline Valley. Being the driest and hottest national parks in the United States, it is home to species and plants that can survive the harsh desert climate. The park features Badwater Basin, the second-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and also the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet below sea level. Despite the Death Valley name given by the California-Gold-Country-bound travelers, the park has a surprisingly thriving ecosystem.
Visitors to the park are surprised to see the geological masterpiece, ranging from volcanic hills to sand dunes. Death Valley is also a popular spot for stargazing, having some of the darkest night skies in the United States. There are nine campgrounds in the park, and visitors can obtain backcountry camping permits from the visitor center.
Hollywood Sign & Griffith Observatory
Located on the hillside of Mt. Lee in southwestern Griffith Park and visible from miles away, the Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic images of Los Angeles and California. Originally erected as temporary advertising for a housing subdivision and spelled as HOLLYWOODLAND, the sign has evolved into an enduring symbol of the Hollywood TV and film industry. As the recognition of the sign increased, the last four letters were removed in 1949, making it simply “Hollywood.” In 1978, the original sign was replaced with a 45-foot-tall, more durable, all-steel sign.
One of the best places to view the Hollywood sign is Griffith Observatory, located on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood. The observatory provides a clear view of the Hollywood Sign and is itself a popular tourist attraction in Los Angeles. Admission to the observatory has been free since the beginning. The facility has six main sections: The Wilder Hall of the Eye, the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky, the W. M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda, the Cosmic Connection, the Gunther Depths of Space Hall, and the Edge of Space Mezzanine.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of California’s most celebrated natural landmarks, valued not only for its scenery but for what it represents—a lasting tribute to human foresight, the strength of granite, the force of glaciers, and the calm of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, the park covers nearly 1,200 square miles across four counties and has been managed by the National Park Service for generations. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and exceptional biological diversity, with almost 95 percent of the park preserved as wilderness.
Human history here stretches back thousands of years, with Native American habitation long before European American arrival in the 19th century. Today, Yosemite welcomes more than four million visitors each year. Yosemite Valley, just one percent of the park’s area, contains many of its most iconic sights, including Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and Taft Point. The park is also renowned for its waterfalls, led by Yosemite Falls, the fourth tallest in North America. In addition, with more than 800 miles of trails, extensive road access, rock climbing, winter skiing at Badger Pass, and 13 campgrounds, Yosemite remains a cornerstone of California travel.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge stands as one of California’s most celebrated landmarks, spanning the Golden Gate Strait between San Francisco’s Presidio and the Marin Headlands. Instantly recognized by its International Orange color, Art Deco styling, and sweeping suspension cables, the bridge creates a striking visual experience shaped by light, wind, and fog. Once dismissed as “the bridge that could not be built,” it opened in 1937 after four challenging years of construction marked by powerful tides, unstable rock, and relentless coastal weather.
Stretching 1.7 miles in length, the bridge is supported by towers that rise 746 feet above the water, a height that once exceeded every building in San Francisco. Two massive main cables, each more than 7,000 feet long and containing about 80,000 miles of wire, support the suspended roadway and anchor the structure firmly to both shores.
Today, the Golden Gate Bridge draws more than ten million visitors each year. It plays a vital role as one of the most traveled sections of historic U.S. Route 101, linking San Francisco and Marin County. Beyond vehicle traffic, the bridge is a favorite route for walkers, cyclists, and runners, reinforcing its place as both an engineering triumph and a defining symbol of California.
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of rugged coastline on California’s Central Coast, south of the Monterey Peninsula. California Highway 1 provides the only access, tracing the edge of the Santa Lucia Mountains and revealing dramatic ocean views at nearly every turn. From beaches to steep ridgelines, the landscape shifts constantly. Tree-lined valleys follow cool streams, while higher elevations open to sweeping coastal overlooks on the western slope and vast wilderness on the eastern side within Los Padres National Forest.
Outdoor experiences range widely, with numerous day hikes of varying difficulty and demanding multi-day backpacking routes through the Ventana Wilderness. Evenings bring a different rhythm, with dining options that range from casual to refined, along with lodging that spans rustic cabins to luxurious retreats. Well-equipped campgrounds and local health spas add to the appeal. One of Big Sur’s most cherished pastimes, however, is simply doing nothing, pausing to absorb the striking scenery and leaving restored by the quiet power of the coast.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park in Anaheim stands as the original Disney theme park and the only one designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. Opening on July 17, 1955, the park spans more than 100 acres and is organized into nine themed lands, including Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Bayou Country, Mickey’s Toontown, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Subtle “Hidden Mickeys” appear throughout attractions and décor, while an elevated berm carries the narrow-gauge Disneyland Railroad around the park.
Live entertainment is also a big part of the experience, from character greetings featuring Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars favorites to the Disneyland Band performing on Main Street, U.S.A. Each evening includes a ceremonial flag retreat at dusk. During the holiday season, from early November through early January, the park transforms with festive décor, seasonal parades, fireworks, and themed overlays on classic attractions. As part of the transformation, Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes snow-capped and illuminated, reinforcing Disneyland’s reputation as “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Lake Tahoe
Coming up next on California’s best attractions is Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Formed around two million years ago as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin, the lake is known for its exceptionally clear waters and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains on all sides. Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe lies at an elevation of 6,225 feet above sea level. Its striking scenery can be enjoyed by visitors throughout the year. In addition, the area is a major destination for both winter sports and summer recreation. With a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, Lake Tahoe is the 17th deepest lake in the world and the second deepest lake in the United States, surpassed only by Oregon’s Crater Lake at 1,949 feet.
Visitors to Lake Tahoe can enjoy casinos, ski slopes, golf courses, and a wide range of restaurants. During ski season, thousands of visitors come to experience the region’s 15 ski areas. From late spring through early fall, the area becomes a hub for beach activities and water sports. Other popular activities include fishing, parasailing, kayaking, and jet ski rentals.
Hearst Castle
Located atop a hill with incredible views of Big Sur, Hearst Castle is a historic estate in San Simeon. This must-visit landmark on the California Coast was envisioned by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan. Originally intended to be a family home for Hearst and his family, Hearst Castle now operates as a museum open to the public as a California State Park.
Hearst Castle has a total of 42 bedrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 61 bathrooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a movie theater, tennis courts, and an airfield. After Hearst died in 1951, the Hearst family donated the castle to the State of California in 1958, and it was subsequently opened to the public. Today, around 750,000 visitors tour the Hearst Castle annually, exploring the artwork collection Hearst assembled over his lifetime.
Exploring California’s Eight Best Attractions
From Death Valley National Park to Hearst Castle, California is filled with remarkably diverse attractions. Each destination highlights why the state continues to rank high on so many travelers’ bucket lists. From dramatic desert landscapes to iconic landmarks and alpine retreats, there is always something new to experience. Whether admiring the Hollywood Sign, enjoying the scenery around Lake Tahoe, or exploring historic estates, every stop adds to the journey. With so much to see and do, California invites visitors to plan their trip and experience its unforgettable variety firsthand.
