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California offers a treasure trove of fun travel destinations. From the stunning coastlines of the Pacific to the majestic mountains and forests inland, the Golden State has something for everyone. I’ve explored countless attractions across California and can confidently say that the diversity of experiences available makes it one of the best vacation destinations in America.
Whether you’re interested in natural wonders, theme parks, historical sites, or quirky roadside attractions, there are plenty of fun places to visit in California.
10 Fun Places to Visit in California
1) Hearst Castle
One of my favorite destinations on this list is Hearst Castle. It’s a stunning historic mansion on a hill overlooking the California coastline. I was amazed by the sheer grandeur of this 20th-century estate built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
Walking through the lavish rooms filled with priceless art and antiques was truly breathtaking. I really enjoyed exploring the ornate indoor pool lined with blue tiles and gold details, as well as the outdoor Neptune Pool, which has a classical temple facade and mountain views. The guided tours offer fascinating insights into the life of Hearst and his famous guests. The castle’s immense collection of European art and artifacts makes it feel like a museum within a magnificent home.
Location: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
Website: Visit Website
2) Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is truly one of California’s most breathtaking natural treasures. I was stunned by the towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
The park offers incredible hiking opportunities through ancient giant sequoia groves. I spent hours wandering among these massive trees, some over 3,000 years old. The trails range from easy valley floor walks to challenging backcountry trails.
Depending on what time of year you visit Yosemite can feel like a completely different national park. Spring brings roaring waterfalls at peak flow, while summer allows access to high-country meadows bursting with wildflowers. Fall paints the valley with golden hues, and winter transforms the landscape into a serene snow-covered wonderland.
Location: Yosemite National Park
Website: Visit Website
3) Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium sits right on California’s beautiful coastline, offering stunning views both inside and out. The massive floor-to-ceiling tanks make you feel like you’re actually underwater with the marine life. The Open Sea exhibit, with its swirling schools of sardines and graceful sea turtles, is truly mesmerizing.
The penguin exhibit was definitely my favorite.
Location: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Website: Visit Website
4) Big Sur
I recently visited Big Sur during my road trip to Sequoia National Park and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The park offers many scenic hiking paths, including a self-guided nature trail. The sound of the Big Sur River flowing through the park creates a peaceful atmosphere.
One important note – there’s no beach or ocean access in the park itself.
Location: Big Sur
Website: Visit Website
5) California Science Center
The California Science Center in Los Angeles offers an incredible experience for science enthusiasts of all ages. While visiting, I explored multiple hands-on galleries that make learning science both fun and interactive. The exhibits covers a wide range of scientific topics.
Location: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website: Visit Website
6) Sequoia National Park
A few years ago I visited Sequoia National Park, and it truly lives up to its reputation as a land of giants. The General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, left me speechless with its immense size and ancient presence.
The park offers much more than just big trees. I enjoyed hiking through diverse landscapes, from mountain trails with breathtaking vistas to deep canyons carved by rivers over millions of years. The contrast between the rugged peaks and peaceful forest floors creates a perfect balance for nature lovers.
Location: Sequoia National Park
Website: Visit Website
7) Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the oldest public Japanese gardens in North America. It offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. My girlfriend and I visited the tea garden last New Year’s Day. The garden features several stunning highlights that I enjoyed exploring, including the beautiful arched drum bridge, authentic pagoda, and zen garden. The gift shop also offers authentic Japanese items if you’re looking for a souvenir.
Location: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
Website: Visit Website
8) Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National Park is truly a breathtaking experience. The park is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, with ancient redwoods reaching heights that make you feel tiny in comparison. Walking through these groves is like stepping into another world.
Location: Red Wood National and State Parks
Website: Visit Website
9) San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is much more than your average zoo. The Safari Park is located 30 miles away from the San Diego Zoo. The park features a wildlife safari experience that guests where guests will be able to ride into the savannas and see animals up close in their habitats. If you’re visiting San Diego, a journey through the safari park is one that you cannot miss. If you’re debating between the zoo and the safari park, I recommend the safari park to those looking for a more adventurous activity they will never forget.
Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027
Website: Visit Website
10) Joshua Tree National Park
I recently visited Joshua Tree National Park and was amazed by its stunning desert landscapes. The park sits at the meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado deserts which creates a diverse environment unlike anywhere else in California. The iconic Joshua trees can be found across the landscape and create a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The park offers excellent hiking trails for all skill levels. If you’re into rock climbing, you might find this place appealing with thousands of established routes. The stargazing is absolutely phenomenal at night. Joshua Tree is known for its dark skies, making it a perfect spot to view the Milky Way. I recommend staying after sunset if you can – the transformation from day to night reveals a whole new dimension to this magical place.
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Website: Visit Website
Conclusion
California is filled with breathtaking and exciting destinations that are awaiting you to visit. It’s more than just theme parks and city life—there’s so much to explore and adventure. Regardless of what time of year you decide to visit California, there will always be something new to discover. I hope this list of places helps you plan your next adventure to California!
