Come to California for the beaches, sunshine and tacos; stay for the kind of natural wonders that dreams are made of.
As the third-largest state in the union with the highest population, the most national parks (nine!) and the longest coastline in the continental USA, the Golden State offers small-town getaways, snowy adventures, fine food and wine, Indigenous culture and unique natural encounters. For travelers looking for all of this and more, these are some of the best things to do in California.
Northern California
There’s more to Northern California than just Silicon Valley and the Golden Gate Bridge (though those are also awesome). These are some of the fun adventures you can have in this stunning part of the state.
1. Seek winter adventures in the mountains
You heard me—California’s got snow, and I’m not talking about some light frosting. Mt. Shasta, towering at over 14,000 feet, is this icy beast up north that’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or straight-up sled chaos with your friends. One time I forgot gloves and had to wrap my socks around my hands—so yeah, pack smart.
Head to Castle Crags State Park nearby for gnarly granite spires and hardcore hikes. And if you’re feeling extra, hit up Mammoth Mountain, which dumps around 30 feet of snow annually—hello powder!
Also Read: 50 Best Zoo in the World
Reconnect with nature in various national parks
California’s national parks are basically Mother Nature flexing hard. Kings Canyon has these massive sequoias that’ll make you feel like an ant. Hike through Redwood Canyon, and don’t skip Boyden Cavern—bring a hoodie, it stays chilly in there year-round.
Meanwhile, Lassen Volcanic National Park is literally bubbling with geothermal weirdness. Geysers, fumaroles, and insane starry skies. I once dropped my phone trying to capture a Milky Way timelapse… RIP Galaxy S9.
3. Dine at Michelin-star restaurants
You don’t need to be a foodie to get why The French Laundry in Yountville is a flex. But hey, if you can score a reservation (and maybe sell a kidney), it’s worth it. I once went to SingleThread in Healdsburg and cried over a tomato—no joke.
San Francisco is bursting with three-star spots like Benu and Atelier Crenn. Local tip? Skip lunch before going. Your belly (and your bank account) will thank you.
4. Always add a glass of Northern California wine
It ain’t just Napa Valley, folks. You want boutique, soul-hugging wines? Hit up Anderson Valley, Sonoma, or Lodi. I found my wine soulmate at Aperture Cellars—shoutout to the Bordeaux blends.
Also, Lodi is bringing that underdog energy with rare grapes like vermentino and albariño. Hit up Klinker Brick Winery for some solid pours and even better porch hangs.
5. Learn about Northern California’s Indigenous cultures
Northern California has stories older than time, and the Wiyot, Hupa, and Karuk peoples are just some of the stewards of this land. At Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, you’ll get the real history—not the sugar-coated version.
Biked through the American River Parkway once, ended up at Folsom History Museum. Totally unplanned but totally worth it. Pro tip: Always check local centers for hands-on experiences. Basket weaving? Yes, please.
6. Answer the call of the wild
From monarch butterflies to breaching whales, California is peak Attenborough-core. I ugly cried watching gray whales near Monterey Bay. It was majestic. Also freezing. Bring layers, my dude.
Check out Pacific Grove’s Monarch Grove Sanctuary if you’re around in winter. Or nerd out with binoculars along the Pacific Flyway during bird migration season.
7. Don’t neglect Northern California’s beaches
People always think California beaches = palm trees. Nah, fam. Go rugged. Gray Whale Cove State Beach is hauntingly pretty, and the fog hits different.
I legit slipped on wet driftwood at Glass Beach—worth it. It glitters like you’re walking on treasure. Oh, and at Seacliff State Beach? There’s a sunken WWI ship. No big deal.
8. Be charmed by Northern California’s small towns
You want slow vibes and big charm? Chico has swimming holes, horses, AND craft beer. My friend fell off a rope swing into Bidwell Park and still talks about it like a badge of honor.
Calistoga = mineral baths and mud facials. My skin glowed for a week. Also, Dunsmuir? Fly-fishing heaven with big train nerd energy.
9. Shop for souvenirs made by local artisans
Skip the cheesy magnets. Real ones hit up Sweet July in Oakland for curated Black-owned goods. I got a face mask that made me feel like Cleopatra.
Over at San Francisco’s Ferry Building, you’ll want to buy everything. Chocolate from Dandelion, mushrooms from Far West Fungi, and those olive oils? Chef’s kiss.
Southern California
Southern California is jam-packed with stunning experiences, from its natural wonders like the mountains and deserts to immersive cultural experiences in its diverse cities and towns. This is what you can do in sunny SoCal.
10. Get elevated on Southern California’s mountains
First off, Big Bear is like a snow-covered playground in winter. I biffed it hard on the alpine slide but couldn’t stop laughing. It’s fun for snowboarding, ziplining, and even visiting Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
Not into snow? Palomar Mountain has dreamy forest drives and scenic overlooks. And the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? It spins while climbing a mountain. Dizzy but dope.
11. Get your desert fix in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is where weird, twisty trees meet insane rock formations under starlit skies. We camped out once and watched the sky explode into constellations—zero light pollution, all vibes. Don’t be surprised if a desert hare photobombs your pics.
Wear layers—it’s hot by day, freezing by night. And yes, the Joshua trees really do look like Dr. Seuss characters.
12. Hit up the beach cities of Los Angeles
From Venice Beach to Santa Monica, the SoCal beach aesthetic is alive and well. I rented a bike once and ended up eating churros on the pier while watching people flex at Muscle Beach.
There’s also Manhattan Beach, which has fewer crowds, or go bougie at Malibu where you’ll probably see someone famous or someone who thinks they’re famous.
13. Geek out at theme parks
California is the land of Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, but also low-key gems like Knott’s Berry Farm. Once dropped my phone on the GhostRider coaster—miraculously survived.
For Potterheads, Hogwarts awaits. For Star Wars nerds, Galaxy’s Edge = life-changing. Budget tip: go mid-week for shorter lines.
14. Eat everything in San Diego
San Diego is chef’s kiss for food. Fish tacos in Ocean Beach, authentic pho in Convoy District, and bomb vegan fare in North Park.
Also, the beer scene? Fire. I did a brewery crawl in Little Italy and forgot my name halfway through. Worth it.
15. Go celebrity-spotting in Hollywood
Cliché? Maybe. Fun? Always. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, take a hike to the Hollywood Sign, or peek inside TCL Chinese Theatre.
One time I thought I saw Rihanna—it was just a wax statue. Still posted the selfie.
16. Explore the missions of California
History nerds, assemble! The California Missions are 21 old Spanish outposts stretching from San Diego to Sonoma. The architecture is beautiful and the vibes are very “ancient Instagram filter.”
Check out Mission San Juan Capistrano for epic gardens and migrating swallows. My mom cried there once. I mostly just liked the koi pond.
17. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
No California bucket list is complete without the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. I once did a solo drive from Santa Barbara to Monterey—top-down, windows down, music way too loud.
Winding cliffs, ocean spray, dramatic drop-offs. Scared me half to death and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Bring snacks. And maybe a playlist called “Main Character Energy.”
California’s got a little of everything—surf, snow, soul food, spirit animals. Whether you’re road tripping for weeks or just sneaking in a long weekend, there’s no wrong way to explore this wild, wonderful state.
So go on, pack your bags. The Golden State is calling.
