California is a land of dreams, where epic landscapes and vibrant cultures collide to create an unparalleled travel experience. From the rugged coastlines to the bustling metropolises and quiet deserts, the Golden State offers an endless array of adventures. While a lifetime might not be enough to see it all, this curated list of 15 must-do activities will ensure you capture the essence of what makes California truly iconic.
As a seasoned traveler who has explored California extensively, I’ve put together a list that combines first-hand experience with expert knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable journey. Each of these destinations and activities is a cornerstone of the California experience, offering a unique glimpse into its diverse and captivating spirit.
Here are the 15 things you absolutely must do in California.
1. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, is arguably the most famous scenic drive in the world. This epic road trip is more than just a drive; it’s a journey through California’s soul, with stunning coastal vistas, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. The most iconic stretch is between Carmel and San Simeon, a region known as Big Sur. Here, you’ll cross the photogenic Bixby Bridge and see the breathtaking McWay Falls. We recommend setting aside at least two days for this drive to truly savor the experience and stop at all the overlooks.
2. Explore Yosemite National Park
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park is a testament to nature’s grandeur. The park is home to soaring granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, massive sequoia groves, and powerful waterfalls. A must-do hike is the Mist Trail, which takes you up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls. For a more relaxed experience, a drive through Yosemite Valley offers unparalleled views of the park’s most famous landmarks. Be prepared for crowds, especially in the summer, and book any lodging or park reservations well in advance.
3. Discover the Magic of Disneyland Resort
No list of California attractions is complete without the Happiest Place on Earth. Located in Anaheim, Disneyland Park offers a magical experience for families and adults alike, immersing you in the worlds of classic Disney and Pixar stories. Right next door, Disney California Adventure Park brings the state’s spirit to life with unique lands like Cars Land and Pixar Pier. A professional tip: utilize the official app to check wait times and mobile order food to maximize your time in the park.
4. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is the global symbol of the film industry and a quintessential Los Angeles landmark. While you can’t walk directly up to the sign itself, several hiking trails in Griffith Park offer incredible views and a great workout. The most popular trail leads to a viewpoint directly behind the letters, giving you an iconic photo opportunity with the city skyline sprawling below. The experience is about more than the destination; it’s about the journey and the panoramic vistas of Los Angeles.
5. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a masterpiece of engineering and an instantly recognizable icon of San Francisco. For a truly memorable experience, you can walk or bike across its 1.7-mile length. The pedestrian walkway offers stunning, up-close views of the bridge’s famous orange towers and steel cables, with panoramic vistas of Alcatraz Island and the city skyline. It’s an ideal activity for a clear day, so be sure to dress in layers as the wind can be brisk.
6. Tour Alcatraz Island
A visit to the former maximum-security federal prison, Alcatraz, offers a unique and chilling glimpse into America’s penal history. Located on a rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, a tour of “The Rock” provides fascinating audio accounts from former inmates and guards. The views from the island are spectacular, and the history is deeply engaging. As this is one of California’s most popular attractions, it is crucial to book tickets through the official website at least several weeks in advance.
7. Go Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma
California’s wine country is an essential stop for any adult traveler. The Napa Valley and neighboring Sonoma Valley are home to hundreds of wineries, from small family-run operations to grand estates. Spend a day (or more) touring vineyards, tasting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Many wineries, like Castello di Amorosa, offer unique experiences that go beyond a simple tasting.
8. Explore Balboa Park in San Diego
More than just a park, Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural oasis in the heart of San Diego. It is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, numerous museums (such as the San Diego Museum of Art and the Air & Space Museum), beautiful gardens, and Spanish Colonial-style architecture. You can easily spend an entire day or more here, exploring the different attractions and enjoying the relaxed, vibrant atmosphere.
9. Stroll Along Santa Monica Pier
Located at the end of historic Route 66, Santa Monica Pier is a classic California landmark. This iconic pier is bustling with activity, featuring an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, various food stalls, and street performers. It’s a fantastic place to people-watch, ride a roller coaster with an ocean view, and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The nearby Venice Beach Boardwalk offers a different, more bohemian vibe with artists, skaters, and street vendors.
10. Discover the Ancient Trees in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
These two adjacent national parks are home to the world’s most massive trees, the giant sequoias. Walking through the Giant Forest and seeing the General Sherman Tree, the largest living organism by volume on the planet, is a humbling experience. The sheer scale of these ancient giants is truly awe-inspiring. Hiking trails in the area, such as the Congress Trail, allow you to immerse yourself in the forest and appreciate the silent majesty of the sequoias.
11. Marvel at the Ghostly Beauty of Joshua Tree National Park
Located where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree National Park is a surreal landscape of twisted, unique Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and desert flora. A paradise for rock climbers, hikers, and photographers. Be sure to visit iconic spots like Skull Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden, and stay for a night of stargazing. The park’s remote location and dark skies make it a premier destination for viewing the Milky Way.
12. See a Show at the Hollywood Bowl
As one of the world’s most famous outdoor amphitheaters, the Hollywood Bowl has hosted legendary musical acts for decades. Attending a concert here is a classic Southern California experience. Pack a picnic, enjoy the warm Los Angeles evening, and listen to music under the stars. The venue’s tiered seating and iconic shell stage make it an incredibly atmospheric place to see a performance.
13. Explore the Vibrant Food Scene of San Francisco
Beyond its landmarks, San Francisco is a culinary mecca. The city offers a food scene that is as diverse as its population. You can get a world-class sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, explore the artisan food stalls at the Ferry Building Marketplace, and find some of the best burritos in the country in the Mission District. Don’t forget to grab a classic clam chowder, a staple of San Francisco cuisine.
14. Go Whale Watching
California’s coast is a prime location for whale watching. Depending on the season, you can spot gray whales, humpback whales, or even orcas as they migrate along the coast. Popular departure points include Monterey Bay and Dana Point. A whale watching tour provides a thrilling opportunity to see these magnificent marine animals up close and learn about their habits from knowledgeable guides.
15. Take a Road Trip to the Redwoods
In Northern California, the coastal redwood trees stand tall as the world’s tallest living organisms. Driving through the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic bypass of Highway 101, you’ll be dwarfed by these ancient trees. Visiting the Redwood National and State Parks is a profoundly humbling experience, as you walk among these majestic giants and breathe in the fresh, damp forest air. It’s a quiet, reflective, and deeply moving end to your California adventure.
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From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the ancient trees of Sequoia National Park, California offers a lifetime of memories in a single state. This list of 15 iconic things to do is just the beginning of your adventure. Each destination provides a unique piece of the California experience—a blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling road trip, a peaceful retreat into nature, or a taste of big-city life, California has it all.
