30 Incredible ‘Bucket List’ Places to Visit in California

Have you been doing some “California Dreaming”? Who can blame you? There are many memorable things to see and do in the Golden State. So without further adieu, here are 30 incredible “bucket list” places to visit in California.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is great for hiking. This beautiful 2000-acre coastal park is but a couple of miles north of the city of La Jolla. There’s a trail for everyone.

The popular Guy Fleming Trail is reportedly “an easy 2/3-mile loop” stroll. It features cacti, wildflowers, orange cliffs, and shady pines. The Razor Point Trail includes scarlet sandstone cliffs and you get to climb up the famous Red Butte.

Barker Dam, Joshua Tree National Park

Take the easy one-mile loop walk past Barker Dam. The dam was originally meant to be a reliable watering hole for local cattle. The hike will also lead to an impressive, expansive which was created as a watering hole for cattle. It opens up to a gorgeous expansive vista that includes memorable mountains and (of course) Joshua Trees. At the trail’s end, you’ll also be able to see the vivid pictographs and petroglyphs.

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The Sunset Cliffs

Veteran visitors claim this is one of the best spots to see the San Diego sunset. The cliffs are located in the 68-acre park which stretches 1½ miles along the beautiful Point Loma peninsula western shoreline, and a for a few miles south of the popular Ocean Beach pier. Here you’ll see dramatic cliff formations and exceptional ocean views. Be sure to watch for the famous mermaid on Ross Rock which extends from the cliff face.

Malibu Creek State Park

Escape the steel and concrete of L.A. 25 miles out of downtown Los Angeles is the scenic Malibu Creek, State Park. The park features 8,000 acres of oak savannas and tall grass plains. Here you can mountain bike, climb rocks, fish, hike, and go horseback riding. Once owned by the famous 20th Century Fox Studios, it has been seen in TV shows and feature films around the world.

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Balboa Park

This is the biggest urban cultural park in the US. This family-friendly place features 17 different museums and diverse architecture as well. Highlights include the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the popular Spanish Village Art Center, the Natural History Museum Center, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, an interactive and educational place for the kids, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Botanical Building which is home to over 2,000 plants, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Huntington Beach

Sun-soaked Huntington Beach is found in Orange County. It’s got a cool surfing culture and is highlighted by boutique shopping, stunning sunsets, and free beachfront volleyball nets often used by actual Olympic athletes and professional players. There’s also Huntington Beach Pier. This famous pier draws surfers from around the world who come to compete in the annual United States Surfing Open. If you want to learn how to surf, this is the place to do it.

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Mission San Juan Capistrano

Orange County is more than simply beautiful beaches and world-famous theme parks. It also has historical aspects. Witness Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Spanish established this mission was in 1776.

In June the 10-acre attraction includes beautiful bougainvillea all over the exhibits, fountains, gardens, and covered walkways. Visit the famous Great Stone Church, which took six years to complete. It was ruined in the infamous 1812 earthquake. 40 people met their maker while at Mass.

Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is one of the South Bay beaches that’s not very far from LAX. It’s one of the beach towns that provides people with a real local vibe and feel of community too. It’s nowhere near as touristy as Santa Monica either.

Wander the Manhattan Beach streets and enjoy the boutique stores and local eateries and take in the genuine beach town atmosphere. Explore the beach promenade between popular Manhattan Pier and old Hermosa Pier. The sunsets at Manhattan Beach are reported to be stunning. Don’t forget to sample a tasty sundowner at one of the beer gardens along the promenade either!

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Cholla Cactus Garden

Situated on the Pinto Basin Drive, the Cholla Cactus Garden is said by some to be “one of the most incredible” attractions in famous Joshua Tree National Park. Complete with the mountains in the background, this field of literally thousands of cholla cactus is beautiful. There’s a special boardwalk and pedestrian path winding through the garden but don’t stray off the path. There’s a reason why they’re called “jumping cactus.”

La Jolla

Situated north of San Diego is the La Jolla. It’s a charming beachside community. The mile-long beach, La Jolla Shores is family-friendly. There’s also La Jolla Cove.

LJC is a little beach ensconced between stunning sandstone cliffs. It’s a great place for snorkeling and diving. Nearby are the local sea lions snoozing on the rocks. Visit the La Jolla Caves. Explore them or pause on the point and see the view of the cave-ridden coastline.

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Griffith Park

If you’re into nature and want a break from the urban congestion, Griffith Park is one of the country’s biggest urban wilderness municipal parks. It’s only 20 minutes northwest of downtown and features deep canyons, pony rides, and several hiking trails. The four-mile loop hike to the Mt. Hollywood Summit, offers super views of the Hollywood sign, the Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA, and the park. Visit the Griffith Observatory too which offers public telescopes and stargazing parties too.

Disneyland

If you have kids, then a visit to Disneyland in Anaheim is truly a “must-do.” Face it, the original Disneyland is not only on the bucket list of every kid but also on that of many adults as well. Hey, it is the “happiest place on earth”, right? Kids especially enjoy meeting the Disney characters, watching the big parades, riding the rides, and sampling the Disney specialty treats. There’s always a new attraction or special theme event as well.

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Laguna Beach

This small coastal city is halfway between San Diego and L.A. Veteran visitors say it’s a bit more “upmarket than nearby Huntington Beach.” It is well-known for its numerous coves, art galleries, boardwalk, tide pools, and beaches. Other than the main beach, the best ones are Victoria Beach, 1,000 Steps Beach, and (at sunset) Table Rock Beach. Need more? There are also over 20,000 acres of protected wilderness and other outdoor activities available as well.

Venice Beach

Not all travelers take to Venice Beach. Venice Beach makes the list because it’s iconic. It has its own eclectic ambiance and yet is so representative of Southern California. This is an excellent place for people watching. Take in the sights and sounds of the artists, basketball players, buskers, gymnasts, health nuts and skateboarders. Stroll the boardwalk with its colorful murals, shops, and assorted eateries. You can even ride bicycles along the beachfront from Venice to Santa Monica.

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Zabriskie Point

Ensconced in Death Valley National Park, this spot alone makes the drive through the park worthwhile. Gaze in wonder at the sand dunes rippled with chocolate, mauve, pink, white, and yellow. See the purple sandy river, the salt flats in the valley, and the majestic Panamint Mountains in the background. The colors and textures are surprisingly impressive and the spot is said by some to be simply breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.

Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands National Parks is reportedly the least visited national park in the country. It could simply be because it’s quite remote. It’s 70 miles north of L.A. or an80-minute ferry ride out of Ventura Harbor.

Highlights include beautiful beaches, kayaking, canyons and valleys for hiking, and striking cliff faces. You can explore sea caves on Santa Cruz Island. You can also go snorkeling through the verdant kelp forest and share a bag lunch with tiny island foxes.

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Yosemite Valley

The breathtaking Yosemite Valley is a natural wonder situated in Yosemite National Park (and not that far from Lake Tahoe). This glacial valley is nearly 7.5 miles long and between 3000 and 3500 feet deep. Rock climbers from all over the world praise this place. It’s framed by plunging waterfalls and surrounded by granite summits. Don’t-Miss spots include Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, Mirror Lake, Tunnel View, Vernal Falls, and Yosemite Falls.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has a lot to offer. Its beach vibe, palm trees and melding of mountains and ocean make it special. Less than a two-hour drive out of L.A., it also includes boutique shopping, upmarket restaurants, and bars on State Street, and stunning sunsets. Downtown SB is highlighted by Mediterranean-like bright white stucco buildings complete with red-tile roofs which are symbolic of the spot’s Spanish colonial heritage. Don’t miss the popular Old Mission Santa Barbara either.

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Big Sur

Big Sur is an unforgettable rugged stretch of the Cali coast between San Simeon and Carmel. It is bordered on the west by the gleaming Pacific Ocean and the east by the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains. Drive on State Route 1. This nearly 90-mile stretch of highway offers great access to most of the highlights including 17 Mile Drive, the Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Limekiln State Park, and Mcway Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

The Presidio

Ensconced in San Francisco, this 1500-acre property is a national historic landmark and an old military post. When the army pulled out in 1994, the popular Presidio became a part of the impressive Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s a natural oasis and a huge outdoor recreation hub. The refurbished red brick ex-military structures now house such attractions as the Walt Disney Museum, hotels and restaurants. There are also numerous hiking trails and a golf course too.

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Mariposa Grove

The amazing Mariposa Grove features a world of giant sequoias. There are more in nearby Sequoia National Park, but these are said to be both impressive and easily accessible. Indeed, this is the biggest sequoia grove in the southern area of Yosemite National Park. It includes 500+ incredible trees that have been declared to be “the largest living things” on the planet as well as the oldest. They live to be roughly 4,800 years old.

Badwater Basin

Death Valley is reported to be the driest, hottest, and lowest National Park in the United States. Badwater Basin is actually 282 feet below sea level. Badwater Basin is also the place where you can hike out onto the well-known Death Valley salt flats and study all the interesting hexagonal honeycomb shapes as well. Enjoy the unique landscape.

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Napa Valley

Yes, this is a world-famous wine region . . . and so much more. The colorful grapevine-covered hills, winery gardens, and architecture make it beautiful as well. There are five different towns here in the Napa Valley region, and they all offer visitors something special be it boutique shopping, world-class fine dining, hiking trails, or hot springs. You can even rent bicycles and explore all of the area’s backroads or simply stroll around Downtown Napa.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is one of the iconic points of interest in San Francisco. Also called “The Rock,” this island was originally a military site and lighthouse base. It became a federal prison in 1963. It once housed some of the most infamous lawbreakers in the history of the US including the nigh legendary Al Capone. The popular Cellhouse Audio Tour will provide you the prison’s entire chilling history. Book in advance if you visit in the summer.

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Hetch Hetchy

If you favor quiet, peaceful hikes hit Hetch Hetchy and take the Wapama Falls hike. It is actually the quietest of all the official Yosemite National Park trails and it includes its fair share of memorable scenery too. The well-known Hetch Hetchy Reservoir was originally erected to supply the residents of San Francisco with water after the 1906 earthquake wrecked their water source. The hike features verdant forests, rock crossings and at trail’s end, the 1080 foot high Wapama Falls.

Muir Woods National Monument

The Muir Woods National Monument is said to be magical. The old, towering redwoods are awe-inspiring. Take the loop trail and see the Cathedral Grove. Hike the Bohemian Grove trail, and see Redwood Creek. Located north of San Francisco, this place is part of the state’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s open from 8 am to 5 pm daily. Visitors over the age of 16 are charged a $15.00 entrance fee. Parking is $8.00.

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Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

Situated 15 miles due east of famous Highway 101, the impressive Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is off the standard, busy tourist track. Nevertheless, the trip through the park is quite gorgeous. Said to be one of Northern California’s hidden gems, it is perhaps most famous as the setting for the exciting scooter chase scene in the classic Star Wars film, Return of The Jedi. Hike the family-friendly, flat, wide, 0.6-mile long Cheatham Grove Trail.

Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is a little town in Humboldt County. Its black sand beach may remind you of Hawaii’s Big Island. Reaching this place via car means taking the rugged Lost Coast Scenic Drive which finishes amidst the towering redwoods of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. keep your eyes peeled as you explore the town, stroll the beach and dine at The Fish Tank which comes complete with great ocean views.

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Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Situated by the Eel River, the popular Humboldt Redwoods State Park is the state’s third-largest park. It includes the Rockefeller Forest. It is the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coastal redwood forest on the planet.

Drive the 32-mile long Avenue of the Giants and see these ancient trees. There are 250 campsites and 100 miles of biking, hiking, and riding trails for the more athletic. You can visit all year round too.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

You’ll find Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park along the Smith River and U.S. Route 199 just nine miles east of lovely Crescent City. Densely forested with large, old redwoods, it’s the last of a line of redwood parks spanning the coast of Northern California. Be sure to drive along Howland Hill Road which is reputedly one of the best redwood drives in the state.

Best time to visit

There is no “best time” to visit California. Anytime is good depending on what climate you prefer or what specific activities you enjoy. Plan accordingly.