With a land area of 164,000 square miles and a population of 40 million, California seems more like a country than a state. Public transportation can be expensive as it covers great distances up and down the coast and finding your way further inland can be a challenge. To see everything California has to offer, from the snowy peaks to the sun-soaked beaches, a car is the only way to get around. You can drive hundreds of miles through world-famous scenery as you travel from one iconic landmark or attraction to the next. Enjoy the history, the culture, and the edges of fame as you experience your California adventure.
You can travel comfortably in an SUV, with enough room for family and friends as well as for surfboards, skis and all the mementos you acquire along the way. If you prefer to travel light, a convertible is the way to go in The Golden State. If you prefer to move through the cities with sophisticated class, a luxury sedan might be the best choice for you. If you are on a tight budget, a smaller sedan might suit your needs as you drive around the state and check out the most famous and quintessential California attractions.
Must-see attractions in California
1. Pacific Coast Highway
As you travel through California, map out your route so that you’ll drive along The Pacific Coast Highway whenever you can. Though wider roads such as Interstate 5 might be faster, The PCH affords one of the most scenic drives in the country as you drive along the ocean for most of the way. The views from the cliffs at Big Sur are breathtaking, and there are several places where you can easily pull over to snap pictures. The PCH runs from the town of Leggett in the north to Capistrano Beach in the south.
Address: Along the California coast, from Mendocino County to Orange County
2. The Golden Gate Bridge
Featured in films for almost a century, The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most famous and most recognizable bridge in the world. You can catch some of the best views of the bridge from vantage points such as Hawk Hill, Fort Point and Baker Beach. You can drive across the bridge (for a toll if you are heading into the city), or you can walk or bike across. You can even take a walking tour. And don’t forget to stop at the Visitor’s Center if you want to read about the bridge’s history or buy some souvenirs.
Address: Accessible from Highway 101 in the Presidio of San Francisco
Entry fees: More information
3. Yosemite National Park
The stunning black & white photography of Ansel Adams has made the spectacular images of Yosemite National Park truly iconic. Its vertical rock formations such as El Capitan, Glacier Point and Half Dome are world-famous. You can spend days in Yosemite hiking, camping and climbing some of the most challenging rock faces on the planet. In a day, you can take an easier route to the top of some of the highest peaks and venture to the edge to look down at a sheer drop of over 7,000 feet.
Address: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is at 9035 Village Dr., Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-4 days
4. Sequoia National Park
At an average of 240 feet high with a diameter of 15 feet, Giant Sequoias are the largest trees in the world. At the park, you can walk through the Giant Forest and get up close to the majestic General Sherman Tree, which is 275 feet high and 36 feet in diameter. You can go through The Tunnel Log, a tunnel carved through a tree that fell in 1937 and is believed to be 2,000 years old. You can also see Topokah Falls, camp for days, climb Mount Whitney and so much more.
Address: Highway 198, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Entry fees: More information
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 1-3 days
5. Hearst Castle
Now a museum, Hearst Castle was originally the home of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, and both the house and the man famously inspired the classic film, Citizen Kane. Situated on 40,000 acres, the castle took 28 years to complete. In the 1920s and ’30s, Hearst welcomed guests including Hollywood stars, political powerhouses, famous authors and other celebrities. The extravagant and intricate architecture and design is a wonder to behold. You’ll have over 10 tours to choose from as you explore this California Landmark.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2-4 hours
6. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Located along 15 blocks in Hollywood, you can see the stars on the ground honoring celebrities going back a century. As you walk along marveling at the array of talent represented, you will find dozens of souvenir shops along the way. Be sure to take time to stop at The TCL Chinese Theatre, famous for the celebrity footprints in the cement out front. Also make sure you get as far as the plaza at Hollywood & Highland. This plaza features The Kodak Theatre, the venue for The Oscars. It also features several shops and restaurants, as well as an ideal view of the world-famous Hollywood sign.
Address: 6901 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
Entry fees: Free
Hours: 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
7. El Matador Beach, Malibu
Sun, sand and waves comprise the quintessential image of California, making a beach visit in Malibu a must. There are many beaches in Malibu, but El Matador, part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, is one of the most accessible and most iconic, with its smooth sand stretching out below the bluffs. Though you can safely swim at some parts of the beach, beware of rocks. But feel free to soak up the sun, stroll, frolic and enjoy the sunset. You do not have to pay for beach access, but you may have to pay for parking.
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours or more
8. Disneyland
You can’t visit California without stopping to experience The Happiest Place on Earth. Some of its most famous rides include Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and the Jungle Cruise, but you could easily spend a day in the park and not get to all the rides and attractions. The park features several themed restaurants as well as many snack stands. With accommodations located in the park as well as hotels and Airbnb’s just outside it, families might want to take several days to enjoy all the park has to offer.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-3 days
9. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld’s Orca shows with jumping and splashing killer whales have become famous across the globe, and you’ll want to see it for yourself, even if you do get splashed. The comical show with otters, seals, and a walrus is a delight, as are the aquarium, the penguin encounter and dolphin show. SeaWorld also offers even more animals, thrilling rides, children’s rides, restaurants, shopping and educational opportunities. You even get to see sharks!
Address: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: All day
10. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is protected land that features stark desert landscapes, big, rugged boulders and, of course, Joshua trees – bristly, twisted yuccas. As you gaze around you, you might feel like you are in an episode of The Flintstones. You can hike, camp, horseback ride and go rock climbing. Or maybe you just want to see the sights – and there are some you won’t want to miss, including Keys View, Barker Dam and Skull Rock.
Address: Located in the south-central region of California
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-3 days
Best Places to Eat & Drink in California
From savoring local cuisine to rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, dining in California is quite an experience.
Chowders, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco: Featuring three patios with bay views as well as indoor seating, Chowders is the ideal place to enjoy a truly San Francisco dining experience. Open every day for lunch and dinner, Chowders is known for their delectable chowders served in a sourdough bread bowl and their fish and chips.
Spago, Beverly Hills: World-renowned as the restaurant where stars, producers and directors wheel and deal, Spago is chef Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant. The hallmarks of this chic restaurant are sleek design and an up-to-the-minute menu that features dishes such as tuna tartare, smoked salmon pizza, agnolotti pasta and the delectable dessert, mille feuille.
La Perla Cocina Mexicana, San Diego: A block from the beach and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, La Perla Cocina offers what many consider the very best Mexican food in San Diego. Friendly staff enhance this charming diner-style restaurant that serves street tacos as well as classic Mexican favorites.
