27 Breathtaking California Spots You’ll Dream About Long After You Leave

California is already famous as the land of Hollywood glamour and long stretches of sun-kissed beaches. But what many people may not realize is that the Golden State is also home to some of the most incredible natural and man-made wonders I’ve ever seen, from bizarre salt lakes to travertine hot springs.

Living in California for three years and spending two of those years vanlifing up and down the entire West Coast made me realize what was missing on the East Coast, where I was raised. On any given day here, you can go from lounging on beaches to hiking through redwoods and summiting arid desert peaks.

I narrowed it down to 27 of the most beautiful places in California, which made my jaw drop when I visited. You may know some of the iconic ones, but you probably won’t know all of them. So get ready to add these gorgeous spots to your California bucket list.

1. Yosemite Valley

• Location: Central California, within Yosemite National Park
• Highlights: El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite Valley is jam-packed with epic things to see, including the world’s tallest granite monolith, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, which plunges a mind-blowing 2,425 feet. If you’re into rock climbing, you probably already know this place is legendary. But even if you’re not strapping on climbing gear, there are many trails for all levels.

The valley itself is only 7 miles long but packed with adventure. And if you decide to come during Firefall in February, the sun will set at such a specific angle on Horsetail Fall that it will look like liquid fire.

2. Big Sur Coastline

• Location: Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon
• Highlights: Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Big Sur is where the mountains literally meet the sea. Driving along Highway 1, you’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes because the views are just that stunning. One minute, you’re crossing the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.

Next thing you know, you’re looking at McWay Falls, which is one of those rare waterfalls that drops right onto a hidden beach, straight into the ocean.

The lesser-known Pfeiffer Beach has a unique keyhole rock formation that frames the sunset perfectly. Carmel-by-the-Sea has a town with cottages that feel like they came straight out of a storybook, and the vibe is incredibly chill.

During the winter and spring, you might even spot some migrating gray whales off the coast. But if hiking is more your style, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has some of the best coastal trails in California.

3. Trona Pinnacles

• Location: Mojave Desert, near Ridgecrest.
• Highlights: Tufa Spires, Stargazing, Off-Roading.

As the movie set to films like Planet of the Apes and Star Trek V, Trona Pinnacles are an otherworldly set of tufa spires that rise up to 140 feet from the Searles Dry Lake bed. These unique formations were created underwater thousands of years ago.

The best way to see Trona Pinnacles is by driving along the dirt roads that weave through them, but be prepared for an off-road adventure. The more daring can also camp overnight in this otherworldly landscape as its entirely in BLM land.

The Pinnacles are best visited during cooler months to avoid the intense desert heat.

4. Cypress Tree Tunnel, Point Reyes National Seashore

• Location: Marin County
• Highlights: Mystical cypress tree tunnel with sweeping ocean views

The Cypress Tree Tunnel is an enchanting tunnel formed by Monterey cypress trees whose branches perfectly arch overhead. It’s a popular spot for photographers, especially during the golden hour.

Beyond the tunnel, Point Reyes National Seashore has rugged coastline and windswept beaches. Hike the Tomales Point Trail for ocean views and Alamere Waterfall for one of the few waterfalls that drop directly onto a beach. During breeding season, go to see elephant seals lounging about at Chimney Rock.

5. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

• Location: Lancaster, California
• Highlights: Seasonal Super Bloom of Poppies

Every year, usually in March and April, the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve explodes with a colorful sea of poppies. It’s right outside Los Angeles and easily accessible by car.

The reserve is home to California’s state flower, the bright orange California poppy. This annual “super bloom” attracts visitors from all over and is definitely worth experiencing at least once in your life. I’ve visited three times, and I can tell you that if there’s been a lot of rain this year, it’s even more spectacular.

6. Death Valley National Park

• Location: Eastern California, along the Nevada border
• Highlights: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, Mesquite Sand Dunes

Get ready to feel like you’re on Mars because Death Valley is out of this world. It’s the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in North America and has the highest recorded temperature on Earth. Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level, and it gets hot—like 134 degrees Fahrenheit hot. So, don’t go in the summer.

But it’s not just about the extremes; the landscapes are absolutely bonkers. Zabriskie Point and Mesquite Sand Dunes have killer sunset views and a drive through Painted Canyon to see colorful badlands.

7. Walking Among The Largest Redwoods & Sequoias

• Location: Northern California, primarily in Redwood and Sequoia National Park
• Highlights: General Sherman Tree, Hyperion Tree, Avenue of the Giants

If you want to feel tiny in the best way possible, head over to find the tallest of California’s majestic redwoods and sequoias. These trees are ancient, with some having lived 2,000 years, and massive!

The General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park is the largest tree on Earth by volume. Not to be outdone, the Hyperion Tree in Redwood National Park holds the title of the tallest tree, standing at over 379 feet. And driving through Avenue of the Giants? You’ll feel like hugging every tree you see just to see how large it really is compared to you.

8. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

• Location: Southern California, near Borrego Springs
• Highlights: Borrego Palm Canyon, Slot Canyon, Giant Boulder Mountains

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is SoCal’s best-kept secret. It’s the largest state park in California, with 600,000 acres of desert awesomeness. The wildflower blooms in spring turns the land into a rainbow. The Borrego Palm Canyon hike takes you to a real oasis with palm trees and a hidden waterfall. The Slot Canyon hike mimics the narrow passageways and dramatic cliffs like those in Utah and Arizona.

Borrego Springs is also worth a stop to see Wild West facades and the massive metal sculptures scattered throughout the town.

9. Catalina Island

• Location: Off the coast of Los Angeles
• Highlights: Avalon, Two Harbors, Catalina Casino

Catalina Island is your tropical California escape without needing a passport. Just a short ferry ride from LA, it feels worlds away. Avalon is the main hub with cute shops, restaurants, and that iconic Catalina Casino (which isn’t a casino, by the way). California isn’t known for its amazing snorkeling, but Catalina is one of the few great places for it.

10. Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Location: Northern California, near Redding
• Highlights: Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake

Lassen Volcanic National Park is an underrated Yellowstone but much smaller. As California’s most geothermal area, it has active boiling mud pots along a boardwalk in Bumpass Hell and one of the largest plug-dome volcanoes in the world. One of my favorite hikes was around Manzanita Lake, framed by Lassen Peak and beautiful sunset reflections.

The national park is heavily covered in snow for most of the year, closing in October/November and reopening in May/June.

11. Golden Gate Bridge

• Location: San Francisco
• Highlights: Golden Gate Park, Marin Headlands, Fort Point

Most people around the world can point to the Golden Gate Bridge and say that it’s San Francisco’s superstar. Spanning 1.7 miles, this iconic rust-orange structure is a USA must-see, especially when it’s peeking through the fog.

Stand at the base in Crissy Field to go for a beach walk. Otherwise, you can walk or bike across the bridge for views of the bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. Nearby, the Presidio has some awesome architecture, plus you can check out the mansion-lined streets and the Palace of Fine Arts.

12. Alabama Hills

• Location: Eastern Sierra, near Lone Pine.
• Highlights: Mobius Arch, Movie Road, Mount Whitney.

Alabama Hills is a natural film set you’ve probably seen in countless movies and TV shows. The main road through is even named “Movie Road,” showcasing spots where movies like Iron Man and Gladiator were filmed.

The rock formations here are wild, and the backdrop of Mount Whitney makes it even more epic. Check out Mobius Arch for an iconic photo op through a rounded oval arch. And if you’re up for a challenge, climb the highest and one of the toughest peaks in the contiguous US, Mount Whitney. Just make sure to get a permit beforehand.

13. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

• Location: Eastern Sierra, near Lee Vining.
• Highlights: Tufa Towers, South Tufa Area, Mono Basin Scenic Area.

Mono Lake is that otherworldly destination you may have seen on social media before. From afar, the awkward silhouettes of the limestone tufas jutting out from Mono Lake already attracts curiosity of what it would look like up close.

Mono Lake is one of the oldest lakes in North America. The lake is incredibly salty and alkaline supporting an ecosystem of mostly brine shrimp and migratory birds.

Head to the South Tufa area for the best views and some awesome sunset shots. If you’re into bird watching, you might spot some rare species hanging around. Just be aware that it doesn’t always smell the best.

14. Lake Tahoe

• Location: Border of California and Nevada, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Highlights: Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, World-Class Ski Resorts

Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a brilliant blue alpine lake surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States and a fun place year-round.

The lake itself is a whopping 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with depths that reach 1,645 feet. It’s got some of the purest water you’ve ever seen, with giant boulders jutting out from the shoreline.

It’s all about those crystal-clear waters in the summer, where you can hike at places like Emerald Bay and chill on the beaches of Sand Harbor. In winter, it’s time to hit the slopes at one of the 15 incredible ski resorts in the area.

15. Joshua Tree National Park

• Location: Southeastern California, near Palm Springs.
• Highlights: Joshua Trees, Skull Rock, Keys View.

As a former Angeleno, Joshua Tree was the source of many go-to camping trips. If you haven’t been to Joshua Tree, you’re missing out. This place has funky Joshua trees, bizarre rock formations, and a beautiful Cholla Cactus garden where you can see the sunsets.

It’s a haven for rock climbers and stargazers alike. As a designated Dark Sky Park, you can easily see the Milky Way with the naked eye. And don’t forget about Keys View, where you can see all the way to Mexico on a clear day.

16. Fossil Falls

• Location: Near Little Lake, along Highway 395.
• Highlights: Lava Falls, Unique Geological Formations, Hiking Trails.

Fossil Falls might not have actual fossils, but it’s got some really cool volcanic rock formations. The smooth, black rock carved by ancient lava flows creates a surreal landscape that’s perfect for exploring. It’s not a huge area, so it’s great for a quick hike or an afternoon of photography. The kids will love scrambling over the rocks, and you’ll love the striking contrast of the dark lava against the bright desert sky.

17. Malibu’s El Matador Beach

• Location: Southern California, Malibu.
• Highlights: Rock Arches, Sea Caves, Sandy Coves.

Having visited almost every Malibu Beach, El Matador is one of the most beautiful beaches. Famous for its dramatic sea stacks and rocky cliffs, it’s a favorite spot for photographers and Instagrammers.

Sunsets here are absolutely magical, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink. During low tide, the mussels on the rocks and tide pools are exposed with marine life.

It’s a small beach, so visiting during the week is best to avoid crowds. Nearby Malibu boasts plenty of chic restaurants and shops to explore after your beach day.

18. Montana de Oro State Park

• Location: Central California, near San Luis Obispo.
• Highlights: Bluff Trail, Spooner’s Cove, Valencia Peak.

Montana de Oro literally means “Mountain of Gold.” Just south of Morro Rock, this park is an underrated coastal playground with miles of trails, stunning bluffs, and sandy coves. The Bluff Trail provides easy access to jaw-dropping ocean views, while you can hike up to Valencia Peak for panoramic vistas. During the sunset, the waves and seastacks glow up, making this park one of the most beautiful US state parks I’ve ever been to.

19. Burney Falls State Park

• Location: Northern California, near Redding.
• Highlights: Burney Falls

Burney Falls is the kind of waterfall that makes you go, “Wow!” Even Teddy Roosevelt once called it the “eighth wonder of the world.”

This stunning 129-foot waterfall flows year-round, with a daily water flow of 100 million gallons! The falls are fed by underground springs. The park itself is not large, but you can go directly to the base of the falls, and the Burney Falls Loop Trail will give you multiple viewpoints of the falls.

Travel Tip! For much of the remainder of the 2024 season, you won’t be able to get close to the falls as the trails are closed for improvements.

20. Channel Islands National Park

• Location: Off the coast of Southern California, near Ventura.
• Highlights: Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Sea Caves.

Channel Islands is California’s version of the Galápagos and one of the most underrated national parks in the state. The park consists of five remote islands off the Southern California coast.

Hiking trails on Santa Cruz Island lead to sea cliffs and hidden coves. Kayak through the sea caves at Scorpion Anchorage, then jump in to snorkel amongst kelp forests teeming with marine life. You’ll get the best views of the surrounding islands from Anacapa Island’s Inspiration Point.

Whale-watching tours from the mainland often spot blue whales and humpbacks.

21. Mammoth Lakes

• Location: Eastern Sierras
• Highlights: World-renowned ski resort, alpine lakes with mountains

Mammoth Lakes is a mountain lover’s paradise. It’s most famous for its world-class ski resort, Mammoth Mountain, which has one of the longest ski seasons in North America.

In summer, the area transforms into a haven for hikers and bikers. The Devil’s Postpile National Monument has striking basalt columns formed by ancient lava flows. Rainbow Falls is a stunning waterfall that lives up to its name. You can fish or kayak around crystal-clear lakes, like Convict Lake, and then watch boiling hot springs in Hot Creek Geologic Site.

22. Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes

• Location: Eastern Sierras
• Highlights: Giant basalt columns, Rainbow Falls

Devil’s Postpile is one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. These hexagonal columns were formed by cooling lava and rise up to 60 feet high. The short hike to the Postpile is accessible and gives you a clear view of this natural wonder. Continue on the trail to Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot waterfall that creates a beautiful misty rainbow on sunny days.

23. Salton Sea Area

• Location: Southeastern California, near Palm Springs.
• Highlights: Salton Sea State Recreation Area, Bombay Beach, Salvation Mountain.

Once a booming resort area, Salton Sea is now a mix of eerie abandoned buildings and a hippie paradise. The former resort town, Bombay Beach, has seen a renaissance of artistic decor with funky installations, and nearby Salvation Mountain is a man-made hill covered in colorful murals. Nearby, I would also recommend the Painted Canyons hike, where you climb through ladders and slot canyons.

24. Hearst Castle, San Simeon

• Location: San Luis Obispo County
• Highlights: Opulent mansion with scenic coastal views

Hearst Castle is a monument to opulence and extravagance, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Located in San Simeon, this sprawling estate boasts 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways.

Some of the most impressive areas are the Greek temple facade of Neptune Pool and the indoor Roman Pool covered in shimmering gold tiles. Tours of the castle showcase Hearst’s impressive art collection, including many works by European masters.

The estate’s zoo once housed exotic animals, and you can still see zebras grazing along the highway.

25. Hot Springs Along Highway 395

• Location: Eastern Sierra, along Highway 395.
• Highlights: Buckeye Hot Springs, Travertine Hot Springs, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs.

If you’re cruising down Highway 395, do yourself a favor and stop at some of the hot springs along the way. Places like Buckeye, Travertine, and Wild Willy’s offer undeveloped hot tubs with killer views. Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by snow-capped peaks or desert landscapes. Know that many of these undeveloped springs are clothing-optional.

26. Carlsbad Flower Fields, Carlsbad

• Location: Southern California
• Highlights: Giant ranunculus flowers

From March to May, the Carlsbad Flower Fields bloom into a rainbow of colors. Spread across 50 acres, this working farm explodes into pedals of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers.

Stroll through the fields and take in the sights and scents. Attractions like the Sweet Pea Maze and tractor wagon rides are set up for visitors.

27. Morro Rock, Morro Bay

• Location: Central Coast
• Highlights: Protruding giant rock formation

In an otherwise normal part of the coastline, Morro Rock is a volcanic plug that rises 576 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Often referred to as “The Gibraltar of the Pacific,” it’s a sanctuary for seabirds and marine life. If you kayak around the rock, you’ll likely see lounging sea otters and seals.

The town’s Embarcadero is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. And just south of the iconic landmark is one of my favorite state parks, Montana de Oro, with its sea stack arches and undisturbed beaches.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.