Day Trippin' › California
522 places worth the drive, from the redwoods and Lake Tahoe to the Bay Area, Yosemite, Big Sur, Los Angeles, the deserts and San Diego, region by region, plus places to eat, stay and catch a movie. Want to know what's within 2 hours of home?
Enter your ZIPWildlife · Humboldt County
Flat trails loop through marshes built on treated wastewater, one of the best birding spots on the West Coast.
Scenic drive · Humboldt County
A 31-mile old highway beside US 101 through Humboldt Redwoods, with pullouts and short grove walks along the way.
Landmark
An 1856 lighthouse on a small tidal island at Crescent City that you can only walk out to at low tide.
Beach · Humboldt County
A dark pebbly beach where the Lost Coast Trail begins, with the rugged King Range dropping straight into the sea.
Canyon · Humboldt County
Walk up a creek between 50-foot walls covered in ferns, a place that looks prehistoric.
Town · Humboldt County
A dairy town with ornate Victorian storefronts, a California Historical Landmark and the gateway to the Lost Coast.
Trail · Humboldt County
A flat, easy loop past the Founders Tree and a fallen giant that shows just how big these trees are.
Beach · Humboldt County
A long, wild beach under eroded golden bluffs where Roosevelt elk often graze near the dunes.
Scenic drive · Del Norte County
A narrow, mostly unpaved road that winds between huge redwoods in Jedediah Smith, one of the region's most beautiful slow drives.
Viewpoint · Del Norte County
A clifftop view 650 feet above where the Klamath River meets the Pacific, and a good place to watch for whales.
Trail · Humboldt County
An easy loop on a ridgetop through old redwoods and fog, a good first redwood walk for families.
Town · Humboldt County
Blocks of restored Victorian buildings along the waterfront boardwalk, with galleries, murals and the famous Carson Mansion seen from the street.
State park · Humboldt County
Old-growth groves along the Newton B. Drury Parkway, Big Tree Wayside and elk in the meadow by the visitor center: the heart of the redwood parks.
Landmark · Humboldt County
An elevated walkway up to about 100 feet high in the redwood canopy at Eureka's Sequoia Park Zoo.
State park · Humboldt County
US 101 squeezes right between giant redwoods here, with short trails along the Eel River.
Trail · Humboldt County
The largest old-growth redwood forest left anywhere, with quiet loops along Bull Creek, much less busy than the Avenue.
Beach · Humboldt County
Big dunes and beach at the mouth of Humboldt Bay for surf watching, beachcombing and an off-highway vehicle area.
Trail · Del Norte County
A short, flat loop through one of the densest stands of big redwoods, on the banks of the Smith River.
State park · Humboldt County
Rocky headlands, Agate Beach for agate hunting and a rebuilt Yurok village in a mossy coastal forest north of Trinidad.
Trail · Humboldt County
A steep hike drops into a grove on Redwood Creek where some of the world's tallest redwoods stand; few people get there because entry is capped each day.
Town · Humboldt County
A tiny fishing village on a cove with sea stacks, a lighthouse replica and some of the best tide pools and views on the coast.
Trail · Shasta County
A boardwalk across the park's largest geothermal basin of hissing vents, bubbling pools and blue-green water.
Scenic drive · Siskiyou County
Drive the Everitt Memorial Highway up to about 7,000 feet for close-up views of Mount Shasta, with snow play in winter and trailheads in summer.
Waterfall · Shasta County
A 129-foot curtain of spring-fed water pours over mossy basalt all year; many call it California's most beautiful waterfall.
State park · Shasta County
Granite spires shoot up above I-5: stop for an easy view, or take the hard Crags Trail to the base of Castle Dome.
Waterfall · Siskiyou County
A short walk in Dunsmuir to a 30-foot waterfall you can stand behind, with a view of the Sacramento River and Mount Shasta.
Cave · Shasta County
A guided trip with a boat ride across Shasta Lake and a bus up the mountain to big limestone caverns full of formations.
Trail · Shasta County
Steep switchbacks to the top of an active volcano, with Mount Shasta in view on clear days.
National park · Tehama County
Boiling mud pots, steam vents, lava peaks and clear lakes along one scenic highway in one of the least crowded national parks.
National monument · Siskiyou County
More than 700 lava tube caves to explore on your own, plus Modoc War history and wide open volcanic views.
Lake · Shasta County
A flat loop around a lake that mirrors Lassen Peak, good for kayaking and spotting wildlife.
Waterfall · Siskiyou County
Three waterfalls on one river trail: a swimming hole at Lower Falls, a wide 50-foot drop at Middle Falls and a narrow chute at Upper Falls.
Town · Siskiyou County
A small mountain town under the 14,000-foot volcano, where you can fill a bottle at the headwaters of the Sacramento River in City Park.
Dam · Shasta County
The second-largest concrete dam in the US: walk the crest or take a free guided tour inside, with Mount Shasta behind the lake.
Historic site · Shasta County
The brick ruins of a Gold Rush boomtown and a restored 1861 courthouse museum with jail cells and a gallows.
Cave · Shasta County
A self-guided walk through a lava tube about a third of a mile long, cool and pitch dark.
Viewpoint · Shasta County
A roadside area of steaming, bubbling mud pots and sulfur vents, the easiest geothermal spot in the park to reach.
Landmark · Shasta County
A glass-decked footbridge over the Sacramento River in Redding that works as a giant sundial, linked to miles of river trails.
Wildlife · Siskiyou County
A driving tour along marshes that fill with huge flocks of waterfowl in migration, with bald eagles in winter.
Historic site · Trinity County
The oldest Chinese temple still in use in California, built by Gold Rush miners, in a charming mountain town.
Waterfall · Shasta County
A 220-foot cascade that was largely unknown until 2004, reached by a steep forest trail.
Lake · Shasta County
A clear mountain lake ringed by green hills, with swimming beaches, kayaking and paddleboarding just west of Redding.
State park · El Dorado County
Clear water and granite-boulder coves at Lester Beach, where the Rubicon Trail starts along the cliffs to Emerald Bay.
State park · Nevada County
A museum on the Donner Party and the building of the transcontinental railroad, beside the Pioneer Monument and the shore of Donner Lake.
Viewpoint · Nevada County
The 1926 Rainbow Bridge on old Highway 40 looks down on Donner Lake, with old railroad snow sheds and climbing walls nearby.
Town · Sierra County
A tiny Gold Rush town where two rivers meet, with old brick buildings and summer swimming holes.
Waterfall · El Dorado County
A short rocky climb to a cascade above Emerald Bay; fit hikers can go on to Eagle Lake in Desolation Wilderness.
State park · El Dorado County
Tahoe's most photographed view: a deep green bay with tiny Fannette Island, seen from the roadside overlooks on Highway 89.
Historic site · Nevada County
One of California's richest hard-rock gold mines, with a stone owner's cottage, formal gardens and the old mine yard.
Lake · El Dorado County
A quiet glacial lake just south of Tahoe, framed by Mount Tallac, for shoreline walks and paddling.
Hot spring · Alpine County
A mountain meadow park near Markleeville with a hot-spring-fed soaking pool and short trails through the pines.
Scenic drive · Alpine County
A high meadow on Highway 88 below Carson Pass, with the Carson River winding through and aspen groves that turn gold in fall.
Lake · Sierra County
A cluster of small granite lakes off the Gold Lake Highway with easy trails, including the short walk to Frazier Falls.
State park · Nevada County
Hydraulic miners washed away a mountainside here, leaving eroded cliffs of red and white beside the North Bloomfield ghost town.
Town · Nevada County
The best-preserved Gold Rush downtown in the foothills, with gaslit streets and historic buildings, and Grass Valley next door.
Ski area · Placer County
A large cable car climbs 2,000 feet to High Camp at 8,200 feet, with big Sierra and lake views and a free Olympic museum.
Trail · Sierra County
A steep climb to a lookout reached by exposed metal stairs, with views from Lassen to the Tahoe peaks.
River · Nevada County
The longest single-span covered bridge in the West, at Bridgeport, among clear green river pools and gold-panning bars.
State park · El Dorado County
An old-growth pine forest on the west shore with the Ehrman Mansion, a lakefront pier and beach, and groomed ski trails in winter.
Town · Placer County
A lakeside village where the Truckee River leaves the lake at Fanny Bridge, with the Gatekeeper's Museum and a paved lakeshore bike path.
Wildlife · El Dorado County
A flat half-mile Rainbow Trail through meadow to an underground window into the creek, where red kokanee salmon spawn each fall.
Town · Nevada County
An old railroad and logging town whose Commercial Row is lined with Old West buildings, under Donner Summit.
Historic site · El Dorado County
A 1929 Scandinavian-style mansion right on the shore of Emerald Bay, reached on a steep walk down through the forest.
Winery · Amador County
Rolling foothills near Plymouth in the Shenandoah Valley with dozens of tasting rooms, known for old-vine Zinfandel.
Park · Sacramento County
About 23 miles of riverside greenway through Sacramento with a paved bike trail, river access and fall salmon runs.
River · El Dorado County
Canyon trails and swimming holes where the North and Middle forks of the American River meet, under the soaring Foresthill Bridge.
Park · Butte County
One of the largest city parks in the US, along Big Chico Creek, with creek swimming holes and basalt canyons in Upper Park.
State park · Calaveras County
Giant sequoias in the North Grove on an easy, mostly flat loop, where the big trees first became famous in the 1850s.
Landmark · Sacramento County
A domed 1874 Capitol with restored historic offices and free tours, in a large tree-filled park.
Museum · Sacramento County
Restored steam locomotives and railcars fill big halls in one of the top railroad museums in the country.
Historic site · Tuolumne County
A whole Gold Rush town kept as it was, with stagecoach rides, gold panning, old saloons and costumed shopkeepers.
Lake · Placer County
A big reservoir with beaches, bike paths and boating close to Sacramento; Beals Point and Granite Bay are the main beaches.
Historic site · Sacramento County
An 1895 hydroelectric plant that sent power to Sacramento over long-distance lines, with its original generators still in place.
Wildlife · Butte County
A Butte County wetland where the Sutter Buttes rise behind winter waterfowl, with a 3-mile auto loop and a raised viewing platform.
Historic site · Amador County
A huge flat marble outcrop pitted with more than a thousand Miwok grinding holes, with a rebuilt roundhouse village and a museum.
Historic site · El Dorado County
The place in Coloma where the 1848 gold find set off the Gold Rush, with a replica sawmill, a museum and gold panning on the American River.
Cave · Calaveras County
California's biggest public cave chamber, reached by a spiral staircase that drops 16 stories.
Town · Calaveras County
A Gold Rush Main Street lined with tasting rooms and old stone buildings, a short drive from the caves and Big Trees.
Historic site · Sacramento County
A riverfront district of Gold Rush and railroad-era buildings with wooden sidewalks, under Tower Bridge.
Dam · Butte County
The tallest dam in the US, with a walk across the top and a visitor center tower at Kelly Ridge overlooking Lake Oroville.
Town · El Dorado County
"Old Hangtown," a Gold Rush Main Street with Gold Bug Park mine tours and the Apple Hill orchards just up the ridge.
Train · Tuolumne County
A working steam railroad roundhouse in Jamestown that has appeared in many Western films, with seasonal steam excursions.
Wildlife · Glenn County
Huge winter flocks of snow geese, ducks and raptors seen from a drive-and-stop auto tour through the wetlands.
Town · Amador County
A small, well-kept Gold Rush town with balconied buildings, antique shops and wine tasting along Highway 49.
Historic site · Sacramento County
A rebuilt 1840s adobe fort that was the end of the trail for many overland pioneers, including Donner Party survivors.
Wildlife · Yolo County
Seasonal wetlands between Sacramento and Davis with a gravel auto tour loop, and summer dusk bat flights under the causeway.
State park · Lake County
Wetlands and old ranch trails near Clear Lake with birds and short walks.
Winery · Mendocino County
A quiet valley with tasting rooms, apple orchards and a cool climate.
State park · Sonoma County
A grove of giant redwoods along Fife Creek near Guerneville.
Food town · Sonoma County
A fishing harbor with seafood shacks and a long beach nearby.
State park · Napa County
Redwood trails, a pool and picnic areas near Calistoga.
Hot spring · Napa County
Pools and spa soaks in a small valley town known for its warm water.
Winery · Napa County
A winery shaped like a medieval castle in Calistoga with tours and tastings.
Museum · Sonoma County
Comic strip art and Snoopy-themed exhibits in Santa Rosa.
State park · Lake County
A lakeshore park with swimming, boating, fishing and campsites at the largest natural lake in the state.
Beach · Mendocino County
A pebble beach with sea glass pieces polished by waves. Look, do not take.
Food town · Sonoma County
A food and wine town with a tidy plaza, shops and tasting rooms.
State park · Mendocino County
Big redwood groves and easy loop trails in Anderson Valley.
State park · Sonoma County
An author's old ranch with trails, a cottage and a small museum in Glen Ellen.
Hike · Mendocino County
A short coastal path through five ecological terraces.
Winery · Lake County
Small wineries around Clear Lake and Kelseyville with tastings and quiet roads.
Garden · Mendocino County
Coastal gardens with a cliffside trail, rhododendrons and a fern canyon.
State park · Mendocino County
Coastal bluffs with sea caves, trails and ocean views next to the village.
Small town · Mendocino County
A seaside village on a bluff with art galleries, shops and Victorian houses.
Small town · Napa County
A walkable downtown with tasting rooms, shops and river views.
Family fun · Napa County
A scenic dining train ride through the Napa Valley.
Landmark · Napa County
A private geyser in Calistoga that erupts on its own schedule.
Food town · Napa County
Food hall by the Napa River in downtown Napa with cheese, oysters and coffee.
State park · Mendocino County
Redwood groves beside the Navarro River near the Mendocino coast.
Landmark · Mendocino County
A well-kept lighthouse near Mendocino with a short walk and whale views.
State park · Napa County
Trail to the summit of Mount St. Helena with long valley views.
State park · Mendocino County
A forest canyon with a waterfall trail and a coast blowhole.
Swimming · Sonoma County
Summer river beaches, canoe trips and a lively small resort town.
Wildlife · Sonoma County
A wildlife preserve near Santa Rosa with guided safari truck tours and overnight tents.
Family fun · Mendocino County
A scenic redwood train ride from Fort Bragg with fall and winter seasonal trips.
Beach · Sonoma County
A long coast of rocky headlands and sandy coves along Highway 1.
Small town · Sonoma County
A historic town square with tasting rooms, a mission and cafes.
Historic site · Sonoma County
Mission and barracks buildings from California's Spanish and Mexican days.
State park · Sonoma County
Wide valley views, oak woodlands and a night sky observatory in Kenwood.
State park · Mendocino County
A beach and fern canyon trail near Little River.
Small town · Mendocino County
A small Highway 101 town near the Skunk Train depot with shops and diners.
Bike trail · Alameda County
A long paved path along a creek from Fremont toward the bay. Birds and flat riding.
Viewpoint · San Francisco County
A row of colorful Victorian homes with city skyline behind them.
Island · San Francisco County
Ferry to the old island prison with an audio tour and big city views.
Hike · Santa Clara County
San Jose's oldest park with creek trails, rock formations and picnic spots.
Island · Marin County
Ferry to a bay island with a loop road, hiking, bike rentals and old military sites.
Museum · Marin County
A children's museum on the Sausalito waterfront with indoor and outdoor play areas.
Hike · Contra Costa County
Rolling hills with oak woodlands, wildflowers and wide views in Contra Costa County.
Museum · San Francisco County
An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome and living roof all under one roof in Golden Gate Park.
Theme park · Santa Clara County
Classic Santa Clara coasters and family rides. The park marked its 50th season in 2026.
Museum · Alameda County
Telescopes, planetarium shows and space exhibits above Oakland.
State park · Marin County
A San Rafael bayside park with shoreline trails, a historic fishing village and biking.
Landmark · San Francisco County
A tower on Telegraph Hill with painted murals inside and top-floor views.
Museum · Santa Clara County
Museum in Mountain View about computers from early machines to the internet.
Bike trail · San Francisco County
A flat waterfront path under the Golden Gate Bridge with beach and bridge views. Easy ride or stroll.
Wildlife
Marsh trails and bird watching on the south bay shore.
Beach · Marin County
A wide beach under white cliffs in Point Reyes, with a visitor center and elephant seals in winter.
Museum
Hands-on science exhibits on the San Francisco waterfront. Great for kids and curious adults.
Garden · San Mateo County
An estate near Woodside with a big house and formal gardens.
Historic site · San Francisco County
A brick Civil War fort sitting right under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Landmark · Marin County
The famous orange bridge. Walk or bike across for big views of the city, the bay and the Marin Headlands.
Garden · San Francisco County
A huge city park with gardens, lakes, museums, bike paths and the Japanese Tea Garden.
Garden · Santa Clara County
A Japanese garden in the Saratoga hills with a tea house and koi ponds.
Small town · San Mateo County
A coast town with a historic main street, beaches and pumpkin patches in fall.
Landmark · Alameda County
A waterfront district in Oakland with restaurants, a Sunday farmers market and ferry views.
Historic site · Contra Costa County
A home and orchard in Martinez where a famous nature writer lived.
Bike trail · Contra Costa County
A smooth paved path through the East Bay hills that follows an old rail line. Good for easy bike rides.
Lake · Alameda County
A city lake with a 3-mile loop path, Lakeside park, boat rentals and a children's play area.
Hike · San Francisco County
A cliffside trail in San Francisco with ruins, a labyrinth and bridge views.
Museum · Alameda County
Berkeley hills science center with hands-on exhibits and a bay view.
Observatory · Santa Clara County
Historic hilltop telescopes above San Jose with a long winding road and big views.
Beach · Marin County
A long sandy beach in Point Reyes for shell walks, bird watching and picnics.
Bike trail · Santa Clara County
A paved creek trail from Los Gatos toward San Jose, with shade and small lakes.
Hike · Marin County
Old gun batteries, bay views, and a short bridge walk to a lighthouse on a rocky point.
Wildlife · Marin County
Visit a rescue hospital for seals and sea lions in the Marin Headlands.
Historic site · San Francisco County
The oldest standing building in San Francisco, a small mission from 1776.
Hike · Alameda County
A steep and popular climb to a summit above Fremont with bay views.
State park · Contra Costa County
A tall peak in the East Bay with a summit road, wide views and many trails.
Hike · Santa Clara County
Redwoods, hiking and picnic areas above Gilroy.
State park · Marin County
Marin's tall peak with redwood canyons, ocean views and summit hikes.
Viewpoint · Marin County
A short walk to a clifftop lookout with old coast defense bunkers and ocean views.
Hike · Marin County
Easy paths through old coast redwoods in a quiet canyon just north of the city.
Zoo · Alameda County
Hillside zoo with a gondola, a kids' ride area and a California wildlife section.
Beach · San Francisco County
A long city beach with big waves, sunsets and bonfires in set areas.
Family fun
Sea lions, street food, an arcade and a carousel on the busy waterfront.
Landmark
A tall white lighthouse on a rocky headland south of Half Moon Bay with tide pool views.
Landmark · Marin County
A historic lighthouse at the end of a long peninsula road with steep stairs and winter whale watching.
Food town · Marin County
A small ranch town with cheese, bakeries and book shops on the way to the beaches.
Historic site · San Francisco County
A former army post turned park with trails, gardens, beaches and a visitor center.
Hike · Santa Clara County
Popular loop trails and farm views in the South Bay foothills.
Museum · Santa Clara County
San Jose museum with mummies, tomb replicas and Egyptian artifacts.
Zoo · San Francisco County
A zoo on the ocean edge with lemurs, gorillas, a children's zoo and a carousel.
Small town · Marin County
A hillside bay town with galleries, a waterfront walk and ferry rides to the city.
Theme park · Solano County
Roller coasters, a water park and live animal shows in one park in Vallejo.
Beach · Marin County
A long beach with a small town, picnic spots and summer lifeguards.
Museum · Santa Clara County
Hands-on science, tech and an IMAX dome theater in downtown San Jose.
Bike trail · Marin County
A flat shoreline path from Tiburon toward Corte Madera with bay views and cafes in town.
Hike · Contra Costa County
A park in the Berkeley hills with trails, a lake, a carousel and a small steam train.
Hike · Marin County
A trail through a reserve where tule elk graze above ocean cliffs.
Viewpoint · San Francisco County
A hilltop with a wide view of the whole city and the bay.
Garden · Alameda County
A hillside garden with plants from around the world.
Landmark · Santa Clara County
A huge odd mansion in San Jose with stairs to nowhere and doors that open to walls.
Scenic drive · Monterey County
Famous toll road past Pebble Beach golf, Lone Cypress and ocean viewpoints.
State park · Monterey County
Quiet beach, river walk and chance to see condors on the Big Sur coast.
State park · San Mateo County
Elephant seal viewing on a wild peninsula north of Santa Cruz.
Beach · Monterey County
Wild, rocky beach with boardwalks through dunes, tide pools and a historic conference grounds.
State park · Santa Cruz County
California's oldest state park, with redwoods that survived the 2020 fire. Reopening in stages.
Viewpoint · Monterey County
Photo stop for the tall arched bridge on Highway 1 in Big Sur.
Landmark · Monterey County
Former sardine cannery street, now shops, restaurants and tide pool views.
Small town · Santa Cruz County
Colorful seaside village with a beach, a wharf and cafes along the creek.
Historic site · Monterey County
Beautifully restored Spanish mission and garden in the village of Carmel.
Winery · Monterey County
Wine tasting rooms and cafes in warm, sunny Carmel Valley.
Small town · Monterey County
Storybook village with art galleries, a white sand beach and tiny alley courtyards.
Wildlife · Monterey County
Good spot for sea otters, harbor seals and shorebirds near Moss Landing.
Beach · Monterey County
Wide dunes and a long, quiet beach with a paved bike trail along the bay.
Bike trail · Monterey County
Big network of hiking and mountain biking trails over oak hills above Monterey Bay.
Hike · Monterey County
Wildflower bluffs and a short trail to a quiet beach, just south of Carmel on Highway 1.
Theme park · Santa Clara County
A family theme park with gardens, rides and shaded play areas.
State park · Santa Cruz County
Old-growth redwood loop trail and river trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Beach · Monterey County
Wide, windy beach with dunes and a hang-gliding spot on Monterey Bay.
Waterfall · Monterey County
Short walk to an overlook of an ocean waterfall dropping onto a beach.
Historic site · Monterey County
Remote, peaceful mission in the Salinas Valley hills, set among oak country.
Historic site · San Benito County
Historic mission town with a plaza, old buildings and a wide valley view.
Wildlife · Monterey County
Thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in a eucalyptus grove each winter.
Aquarium
World-famous aquarium with kelp forest, jellyfish and sea otters, right on the water.
Landmark · Monterey County
Old wharf with whale-watching tours, fish stands and sea lions.
Historic site · Monterey County
Walk a trail of adobe buildings from California's Spanish and Mexican capital.
Food town · Monterey County
Working fishing harbor with antique shops, seafood stands and sea otters in the water.
Family fun · Santa Cruz County
A quirky roadside attraction where the ground seems to bend gravity and height.
Museum · Monterey County
Museum about the writer in his hometown of Salinas.
State park · Santa Cruz County
Sandy beach with tide pools, a sea arch and a winter monarch butterfly grove at the north edge of Santa Cruz.
State park · Monterey County
Redwood-lined Big Sur River, easy trails and a short hike to Pfeiffer Falls.
National park · San Benito County
Spires and talus caves from an ancient volcano, plus condors and good hiking trails.
State park · Monterey County
Rocky coves, sea otters, harbor seals and cypress groves, often called the crown jewel of state parks.
Historic site · Monterey County
The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, at the tip of Pacific Grove.
Family fun · Santa Cruz County
Steam train rides through redwoods in Felton, plus a beach train to Santa Cruz in season.
Theme park · Santa Cruz County
Classic seaside amusement park with a wooden coaster, arcade and a wide beach next door.
Landmark
Long wooden pier with sea lions below, seafood stands, shops and bay views.
State park · Santa Cruz County
Quiet second-growth redwood canyon with creek trails and mountain bike routes near Aptos.
State park · Santa Cruz County
Coastal bluffs, historic dairy farm buildings and bike-friendly trails north of Santa Cruz.
Lake · Madera County
A pine-ringed mountain lake with swimming, paddling and boating. Fall colors are quiet and pretty.
Waterfall · Mariposa County
A short paved path leads to the mist of this 620-foot fall near the valley entrance.
Museum · Mariposa County
A big mineral and gold collection in Mariposa, including a large piece of gold in quartz.
Hike · Mariposa County
An easy, flat loop in the heart of the valley with views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
Landmark · Mariposa County
Pull over and watch climbers on the granite face with binoculars. A flat walk by the Merced River.
Viewpoint · Mariposa County
A big overlook 3,200 feet above the valley, facing Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. One of the best views in the Sierra.
Small town · Tuolumne County
A Gold Rush town on the road to Yosemite with saloons, a historic hotel and shops.
Lake · Tuolumne County
A quieter reservoir valley with big waterfalls and an easy trail across the dam to a tunnel and falls.
Scenic drive · Mariposa County
A winding river drive into Yosemite with rafting stops, rapids and old mining sites.
Small town · Mariposa County
The gateway to Yosemite, with old Gold Rush buildings, the county courthouse and cafes.
Hike · Mariposa County
Walk among huge sequoias including the Grizzly Giant. A shuttle or short hike runs from the welcome plaza.
Hike · Mariposa County
A peaceful trail to a few giant sequoias with few crowds.
Hike · Mariposa County
A flat walk up Tenaya Canyon to a seasonal pool under Half Dome. Quiet and good for families.
Hike · Mariposa County
A steep stone-step climb beside a thundering waterfall. Wear a rain jacket in spring.
Small town · Madera County
The southern Yosemite gateway with shops, diners and a museum. A good stop before Bass Lake or Fish Camp.
Viewpoint · Mariposa County
A roadside stop on Tioga Road with a rare view of Half Dome from behind and smooth glacial granite.
Swimming · Mariposa County
A sandy river beach on the Merced River with meadow views. Good for a wade or a lazy float in summer.
Small town · Tuolumne County
The Gold Country hub with old brick streets, shops and eateries. Good for a slow afternoon.
Hike · Mariposa County
A short walk to a cliff edge with sheer views and tall rock fissures.
Lake · Mariposa County
A big, clear alpine lake with a sandy beach and granite shores. Cold but lovely for a quick dip.
Viewpoint · Mariposa County
The classic first look at Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one frame. Pull off right on the way in.
Hike · Tuolumne County
A small grove of giant sequoias off Tioga Road, with a tunnel tree. The walk is downhill first, so the return is the work.
Hike · Tuolumne County
A high alpine meadow with granite domes and the Tuolumne River. Short walks and big views.
Historic site · Mariposa County
Old cabins and a covered bridge moved here from across the park. A gentle step into early Yosemite.
Waterfall · Mariposa County
The tallest waterfall in the park, with an easy paved walk to the base of the lower fall. Spring flow is biggest; it can run dry by late summer.
Family fun · Madera County
A steam train ride through the pines near Fish Camp, in the style of an old logging line.
Landmark · Inyo County
Rounded rock formations with arch views framed by Mount Whitney. Many movies were filmed here.
Hike · Inyo County
Walk among some of the oldest living trees on Earth in the White Mountains.
Small town · Inyo County
A relaxed Eastern Sierra town with bakeries, outfitters and shops. Good base for the Owens Valley.
Historic site · Mono County
A well-kept Gold Rush ghost town frozen in time, with homes, a church and a stamp mill.
Lake · Mono County
A jewel-like lake with a loop trail and steep red peaks behind it.
Hike · Madera County
A wall of basalt columns formed by lava. A short walk reaches the columns from the road shuttle.
Museum · Inyo County
A local history museum in Independence with Native American baskets and Manzanar items.
Landmark · Mono County
A steaming stream with bubbling vents next to a trout river. Look but do not swim.
Scenic drive · Mono County
A short mountain loop with four lakes, waterfalls and aspen color in fall.
Lake · Inyo County
A high alpine lake above Bishop with a reservoir, trails and fall color.
Museum · Inyo County
A historic depot and old narrow gauge train cars near Bishop.
Small town · Mono County
A tiny town at Mono Lake with a famous diner stop and a visitor center.
Small town · Inyo County
A small desert town with Whitney views, a film museum and diners.
Small town · Mono County
A mountain town with hiking, biking, ski runs and cafes.
Lake · Mono County
A scenic basin of alpine lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails above Mammoth Lakes.
Family fun · Mono County
A gondola ride to the top for views of the Sierra crest and Minarets.
Historic site · Inyo County
A moving museum and a driving tour at a World War II Japanese American incarceration camp.
Hike · Inyo County
A short loop to a natural arch that frames Mt Whitney.
Hike · Mono County
A short climb up a young volcanic crater beside Mono Lake with a lava dome in the middle.
Waterfall · Madera County
A 101-foot fall on the San Joaquin River, often with a rainbow in the mist.
Landmark · Mono County
Walk among odd limestone towers rising from a salty desert lake. Sunset is the best time.
Scenic drive · Tuolumne County
The highest paved pass in the Sierra, linking Lee Vining and Yosemite.
Hot spring · Mono County
Natural pools on a terraced hillside near Bridgeport with mountain views.
Scenic drive · Inyo County
A steep mountain road climbing to the trailhead for Mt Whitney with a waterfall and picnic area.
Hot spring · Mono County
Two natural hot pools reached by a boardwalk with views of the Sierra. A favorite after a cold day.
Cave · Fresno County
A guided cave tour in the Kings River canyon with limestone formations.
Cave · Tulare County
A marble cave with guided tours through chambers of stalactites.
Landmark · Tulare County
The largest tree on Earth by volume, reached by a short paved trail.
Museum · Tulare County
A small museum about the sequoia ecosystem, near Round Meadow.
Hike · Tulare County
Walk to the General Grant Tree and other huge sequoias on a loop.
Historic site · Tulare County
A boulder with ancient pictographs and a picnic area along the Kaweah River.
Small town · Kern County
A river town with whitewater rafting, western shops and a nice downtown park.
Scenic drive · Fresno County
A dramatic drive into one of the deepest canyons in the US.
Lake · Kern County
A large reservoir in the southern Sierra with boating, fishing and views.
Lake · Tulare County
A foothill reservoir with boating, fishing and birding near Three Rivers.
Scenic drive · Tulare County
A narrow, winding road to a quiet alpine valley with trails and marmots.
Hike · Tulare County
A short granite staircase climb to a sweeping view of the Great Western Divide.
Waterfall · Fresno County
A short walk to a narrow canyon waterfall in Kings Canyon.
Small town · Tulare County
A foothill town at the Sequoia gateway with cafes, artists and river views.
Hike · Tulare County
An easy river hike to a granite canyon waterfall.
Hike · Tulare County
A paved loop through a dense grove of giant sequoias in the Sequoia National Forest.
Landmark · Tulare County
Drive through a fallen sequoia on Crescent Meadow Road.
Hike · Fresno County
A flat boardwalk loop in Cedar Grove along the Kings River with big canyon walls.
Zoo · Merced County
A small, friendly zoo and park in Merced with train rides.
Food town · Kern County
Family-style Basque restaurants, a local specialty.
Scenic drive · Fresno County
A self-drive route through orchards in Fresno County when fruit trees bloom in late winter.
Landmark · Kern County
A famous country music hall, restaurant and museum in Bakersfield with live music.
Museum · Merced County
A big collection of vintage military planes in Atwater, with cockpit tours.
Garden · Fresno County
A handmade underground garden with courtyards and tunnels dug by one man. Reservations are a good idea.
Zoo · Fresno County
A friendly zoo with African savanna, Asian elephants and a kids' play area.
Wildlife · Merced County
A rare tract of native grassland near San Luis Reservoir with birds and wildflowers.
Museum · San Joaquin County
An art and history museum in Stockton's Victory Park with California art.
Hike · Tulare County
A small preserve of valley oak forest with easy trails near Visalia.
Museum · Fresno County
An old raisin baron's mansion in Fresno with guided tours.
Wildlife · Kern County
A birding refuge with auto tour roads and many waterfowl in winter.
Bike trail · Kern County
A paved path along the Kern River in Bakersfield, good for biking and walking.
Small town · Fresno County
A Swedish-themed town with painted buildings and cafes.
Winery · San Joaquin County
Rustic tasting rooms in a Zinfandel region with old vines.
Museum · Stanislaus County
A historic Victorian house in Modesto with guided tours.
Wildlife · Merced County
A refuge with sandhill cranes and geese in winter.
Zoo · San Joaquin County
A county park near Lodi with a small zoo, a Japanese garden and playgrounds.
Lake · Madera County
A big lake with boating, camping and an old courthouse nearby.
Family fun · Tulare County
A county park near Visalia with a lake, oaks, an old museum and shaded picnic spots.
Food town · Fresno County
A lively Fresno neighborhood with restaurants, theaters and shops.
Wildlife · Kern County
A reserve near Buttonwillow where you can see tule elk behind a fence.
Garden · Fresno County
A large Fresno park with a Japanese garden and trails along the San Joaquin River bluff.
Beach · San Luis Obispo County
Sunny, family friendly beach town with a pier and a boardwalk and sheltered water.
Hike · San Luis Obispo County
Steep trail to a rocky summit above San Luis Obispo with wide views.
Small town · San Luis Obispo County
Little town with shops, galleries, pine hills and ocean-side dining.
Beach · Santa Barbara County
Calm, family beach with tide pools and a nearby seal rookery in winter.
Small town · San Luis Obispo County
Walkable college town with a farmers market and a funky chewed gum alley.
Beach · Santa Barbara County
Wide sandy beach near the harbor with volleyball, a bike path and a Cabrillo Bathhouse.
Winery · San Luis Obispo County
Cool-climate vineyards just outside San Luis Obispo with tasting rooms.
State park · Santa Barbara County
Rugged coast with a pier, hot springs hike and long trails.
Hike · San Luis Obispo County
Huge coastal dune system with trails and wildlife near Guadalupe.
State park · San Luis Obispo County
Grand hilltop mansion with tours of the pools and gardens along the coast.
Historic site · Santa Barbara County
Restored mission with working gardens and trails near Lompoc.
Lake · Santa Barbara County
Reservoir with boat tours, fishing and nearby eagle cruises in winter.
Lake · San Luis Obispo County
Big reservoir in Monterey County near Paso Robles with boating and swimming.
Small town · Santa Barbara County
Town of dozens of outdoor murals, with flower fields blooming in summer.
Lake · San Luis Obispo County
Hills reservoir for boating, fishing and swimming near Arroyo Grande.
Food town · Santa Barbara County
Tiny wine town with tasting rooms and a quiet main street.
Garden · Santa Barbara County
Exotic private gardens in Montecito, open by reservation only.
Landmark · San Luis Obispo County
Eye-popping pink roadside inn, with a famous bakery.
Historic site · San Luis Obispo County
Active mission in the middle of downtown San Luis Obispo.
Historic site · Santa Barbara County
Peaceful mission with a garden, museum and valley views in Solvang.
State park · San Luis Obispo County
Rugged coast with tide pools, dunes and bluff trails.
Beach
Boardwalk walks along the bluffs with tide pools and inn views in Cambria.
Landmark · San Luis Obispo County
Sea-level volcanic plug beside a harbor with sea otters and kayak rentals.
Beach · San Luis Obispo County
Wide dunes and beach next to Pismo where visitors can walk and play on sand.
Winery · San Luis Obispo County
Hundreds of wineries on rolling oak hills, plus a charming town square.
Wildlife · San Luis Obispo County
Hundreds of elephant seals rest on the beach next to Highway 1.
Beach · San Luis Obispo County
Classic beach town with a pier, clam chowder and winter monarchs.
Beach · Santa Barbara County
Palm-lined cove with tide pools and calm swimming on the Gaviota coast.
Garden · Santa Barbara County
Native California plant garden with trails, historic dams and views.
Landmark · Santa Barbara County
Spanish Revival courthouse with a free clock tower view over the city.
Historic site · Santa Barbara County
Large, elegant mission church often called the Queen of the Missions.
Zoo · Santa Barbara County
Small, hilltop zoo with ocean views and animals from around the world.
Winery · Santa Barbara County
Wine roads lined with oaks and ranches with tasting rooms from small to large.
Small town · Santa Barbara County
Danish-style village with bakeries, windmills and shops in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Landmark · Santa Barbara County
Historic pier with seafood stands, a science center and harbor views.
Island · Ventura County
Tiny island with sea cliffs, a lighthouse and lots of seabirds.
Aquarium · Los Angeles County
Sea lions, sharks, jellyfish and a lorikeet forest in Long Beach.
Hike · Los Angeles County
A long canyon hike to a bridge once meant for a road. A bungee site too.
Beach · Los Angeles County
Calm beach near San Pedro with a small marine aquarium and tide pools.
Museum · Los Angeles County
Free science museum that houses the space shuttle Endeavour.
Island · Los Angeles County
A ferry ride to a car-free island town with beaches, glass-bottom boats and golf carts.
National park · Ventura County
Visitor center and base for boats to remote islands from Ventura Harbor.
Garden · Los Angeles County
Camellias, a rose garden and trails in La Canada Flintridge. Check status after the Eaton fire.
Food town · Ventura County
Craft beer, vintage shops and good dining a short walk from the beach.
Museum · Los Angeles County
A hilltop art museum with big gardens and wide views over the city. Entry is free.
Museum · Los Angeles County
An ancient Greek and Roman art museum in a seaside villa setting. It reopened in 2025 after the Palisades fire.
Observatory · Los Angeles County
Free views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, plus space exhibits and a planetarium. Sunsets here are a classic LA moment.
Viewpoint · Los Angeles County
Best easy views of the sign are from Lake Hollywood Park and the Griffith Observatory lawn.
Landmark · Los Angeles County
Stroll the famous star-lined sidewalk past the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre.
Museum · Los Angeles County
Fossils from the Ice Age, found in bubbling tar beside the Wilshire museum row.
State park · Los Angeles County
A beach with tide pools, caves and a creek-side campground on the Malibu coast.
Small town · Los Angeles County
Harbor boardwalk with shops, carousel, ferry to the Queen Mary and bike paths.
Garden · Los Angeles County
A garden in Arcadia with peacocks, a lake and a historic ranch.
Museum · Los Angeles County
Big art museum with the Urban Light lamp-post installation outside.
Zoo · Los Angeles County
Over a thousand animals in hillside habitats, from elephants to gorillas.
State park · Los Angeles County
Easy hikes to a rocky pool, the old M*A*S*H set site and views of Malibu Canyon.
Beach · Los Angeles County
Surf beach, a bird-rich lagoon and the famous Surfrider surf break.
Bike trail
A flat paved coastal path of about 20 miles through Santa Monica, Venice and the South Bay.
Historic site · Ventura County
A mission in downtown Ventura with a small museum and gardens.
Hike · Los Angeles County
Climb the highest peak in LA County, or ride the lift to the Notch.
Observatory · Los Angeles County
Historic telescopes on a mountaintop, reopened to visitors after the Eaton fire.
Food town · Los Angeles County
Walk canals in Naples, then eat along 2nd Street in Belmont Shore.
Museum · Los Angeles County
Dinosaur skeletons, a nature garden and a gem and mineral hall.
Small town · Ventura County
Art galleries, orchards and mountain views in a relaxed valley town.
Historic site · Los Angeles County
An old film-set ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. Damaged by 2018 fire.
Museum · Los Angeles County
Cars of every kind from movie vehicles to hot rods in a striking building.
Hike · Los Angeles County
Oak woodland trails and a small nature center where gold was found before the Gold Rush.
State park · Ventura County
Mountain trails, sea cliffs and canyon walks along the coast near Ventura County line.
Landmark · Los Angeles County
Ocean views and a good place to spot gray whales in winter.
Landmark · Los Angeles County
A grand ocean liner moored at Long Beach, open for tours, dining and events. Her 90th year is 2026.
Historic site · Ventura County
A historic rancho near Piru that inspired the novel Ramona.
Historic site · Los Angeles County
An adobe ranch house with gardens in Long Beach.
Island · Santa Barbara County
Boat trip to hike, kayak and snorkel on the biggest Channel Island.
Hike · Ventura County
Views of the coast and canyons on partly open sections of this long trail.
Landmark · Los Angeles County
A classic seaside pier with a Ferris wheel, arcade, rides and ocean views.
Beach
A wide, sandy beach beside the pier with a bike path and volleyball courts.
Theme park · Los Angeles County
A big park known for roller coasters, in Valencia.
Hike · Los Angeles County
Easy canyon walk to a waterfall and the ruins of a burned house near Malibu.
Waterfall · Los Angeles County
A forest hike to a tall waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Hike · Los Angeles County
Cliff trails and tide pools along the Palos Verdes coast.
Garden · Los Angeles County
A huge garden with a Japanese garden, rose garden, desert garden, library and art.
State park · Los Angeles County
Large park in the Santa Monica Mountains with shaded trails and ocean views.
Theme park · Los Angeles County
Movie-themed rides, a studio tram tour and Super Nintendo World.
Landmark · Los Angeles County
Tilted rock slabs used in many movies and TV shows, with easy trails.
Landmark · Los Angeles County
A lively boardwalk with street artists, skate park, Muscle Beach and the canals nearby.
Small town · Ventura County
Waterfront shops and restaurants, plus boat tours and sunsets.
Landmark · Ventura County
One of California's longest wooden piers, with fishing and beach views.
State park · Los Angeles County
A historic ranch with polo fields, a short loop trail and views toward the ocean.
Hike · Orange County
Trails and mountain bike routes close to the beach, with canyon and ridge views.
Small town · Orange County
A tiny island of shops and frozen bananas, reached by a short car or passenger ferry.
Wildlife · Orange County
Wetland trails with herons, egrets and migrating birds, beside the sea.
Museum · Orange County
Art and cultural collections from around the world in Santa Ana.
State park · Orange County
Beach, tide pools and coastal bluff trails with historic cottages.
Small town · Orange County
Harbor with shops, boat tours and whale watching trips.
Theme park · Orange County
A second Disney park with Cars Land, Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus.
Theme park · Orange County
The original Disney park with classic rides and character meetups.
State park · Orange County
Wide beach, tide pools, and surfing, with picnic spots and campground.
Family fun · Orange County
Free shops, restaurants and shows outside the park gates.
Viewpoint · Orange County
Cliff-top park with ocean views, trails and nearby tide pools.
Beach
Surf City USA with a long pier, big surf and a lively beach scene.
Family fun · Orange County
Old oak trees, a small zoo, pony rides and a pond for paddle boats.
Theme park · Orange County
Roller coasters, a Western ghost town and famous boysenberry treats in Buena Park.
Water park · Orange County
A water park next to Knott's with slides and a lazy river.
Beach · Orange County
A pretty cove beach in a classic art town with basketball and sand volleyball.
Historic site · Orange County
A historic mission with gardens, the Great Stone Church ruins and swallows legend.
Bike trail · Orange County
Paved and dirt trails around a wildlife reserve with wetlands and birds.
Beach · Orange County
Beach, pier and a fun ferry ride across to Balboa Island.
Family fun · Orange County
Big park with a carousel, sports and open fields.
Museum · Orange County
Exhibits and gardens at the birthplace and burial site of a former president.
Zoo · Orange County
A small, friendly zoo with monkeys, sloths and a petting area.
Bike trail · Orange County
A long paved river path through Orange County, good for bikes and walks.
Zoo · San Bernardino County
A small rescue zoo with bears, wolves, eagles and other local animals that cannot return to the wild.
Lake · San Bernardino County
A mountain lake with boating, fishing, paddleboards and a lively village. Snow play in winter.
State park · San Bernardino County
Rolling grass and oak hills with trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Hike · San Bernardino County
A forest trail above Big Bear with lake views and a link to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Hike · Riverside County
A gentle shaded forest trail above Idyllwild that is good for families and beginners.
Hike · San Bernardino County
A popular canyon trail with a creek, cabins and a climb toward Mount San Antonio.
Small town · Riverside County
A cool pine-forest village under Mount San Jacinto with art shops, cafes and trailheads.
Garden · San Bernardino County
A historic French chateau-style home with lemon grove and terraced gardens in Redlands.
Small town · San Bernardino County
A lakeside village with shops, restaurants and a pretty mountain setting. Good for a relaxed lunch.
Lake · Riverside County
A big natural lake with boating, fishing and skydiving nearby.
Swimming · San Bernardino County
A small mountain lake near Crestline with a sandy swim beach, water slides and fishing.
Swimming · Riverside County
A big lake with a swim beach, boating, a bike path and rocky climbing.
Museum · Riverside County
A big air museum with aircraft outdoors and indoors, from old warbirds to jets.
Historic site · Riverside County
A grand Spanish-style hotel with courtyards, bells and a museum. Nice for a walk and a meal.
Small town · Los Angeles County
A tiny mountain village in the San Gabriels with a ski lift, a lodge and trails. Mount San Antonio is above it.
Hike · Riverside County
A short hill walk in Riverside with city views and a peace tower near the top.
Small town · Riverside County
A Western-style main street with shops, cafes, and a short drive to the wineries.
Museum · Riverside County
Historic trains and trolleys you can ride on weekends. Great for railfans.
Museum · San Bernardino County
A hangar full of restored warbirds in Chino. Some planes fly at special events.
Bike trail · Riverside County
A long paved trail along the river for biking and walking through Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Hike · Riverside County
Rolling oak grassland with vernal pools, wildflowers in spring and quiet walking trails.
Lake · San Bernardino County
A mountain reservoir with a swim beach, fishing and a paved bike trail.
Winery · Riverside County
Rolling vineyards with dozens of tasting rooms, plus restaurants and balloon rides.
Family fun · San Bernardino County
A county park with lakes, a swim lagoon, water slides, fishing and picnic lawns.
Hike · San Bernardino County
A volcanic cone beside Route 66 with a trail up to the rim.
Scenic drive · Inyo County
A one-way loop through colorful hills in pink, green and purple.
Landmark · Inyo County
The lowest point in North America with a huge salt flat. Walk out on the white salt.
Hike · Riverside County
A loop to an old dam with petroglyphs and sometimes water that draws birds.
Museum · San Bernardino County
A small museum in the old depot with Route 66 memories and old photos.
Wildlife · Riverside County
A birding oasis in a canyon with a shaded boardwalk and cottonwood trees.
Landmark · Riverside County
Giant roadside dinosaurs by the freeway and a gift shop with a museum.
Museum · Riverside County
A hand-built desert pueblo house with a story, in Desert Hot Springs.
Historic site · San Bernardino County
A restored silver mining town with shops, mine tours and a mini train.
Hike · Riverside County
A short path through a dense field of teddy bear cholla cactus that glows at sunset.
Hike · Riverside County
A palm oasis at the south entrance with short hikes and good bird watching.
Viewpoint · Inyo County
A high lookout over Badwater Basin with big views of the valley and mountains.
Historic site · Inyo County
The remains of a borax plant and old wagons with a short interpretive walk.
Hike · San Bernardino County
Rocky volcanic cliffs with an easy ring-bar trail through a canyon and a visitor center.
Hike · Riverside County
Palm oases and rocky canyons on tribal land near Palm Springs. Easy trails to a seasonal waterfall.
Hike · San Bernardino County
Tall singing sand dunes in the Mojave. The climb is long and soft.
Viewpoint · Riverside County
A high lookout over the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault and the Salton Sea on clear days.
Museum · Kern County
A desert museum in Ridgecrest with petroglyph tours and natural history displays.
Landmark · Inyo County
Soft rippled dunes beside Stovepipe Wells. A fun walk at sunrise.
Cave · San Bernardino County
Limestone caves in the Providence Mountains with guided tours only.
Hike · Inyo County
A narrow polished marble canyon you can walk into. Great for beginners.
State park · Riverside County
High alpine hiking above the tram with meadows, pines and peak views.
Hike · San Bernardino County
A short nature trail around a palm oasis next to the visitor center in Twentynine Palms.
Landmark · Riverside County
A rotating tram car lifts you from desert floor to cool alpine forest in about ten minutes.
Museum · Riverside County
World War II and later aircraft in a big hangar, with talks by volunteers.
Museum · Riverside County
Modern and Western art, glass and sculpture in a mid-century building downtown.
Small town · San Bernardino County
A Western movie set turned small town with shops, live music and a roadhouse.
State park · Kern County
Colorful cliffs and canyons where the Mojave meets the Sierra. Easy trails and camping.
Zoo · Riverside County
A desert zoo and garden in Palm Desert with giraffes, cheetahs and a wildlife trail.
Hike · Riverside County
A fan-palm oasis on the San Andreas Fault with easy short trails.
Landmark · San Bernardino County
Over 500 strange tufa spires on a dry lake bed. Used in many movies.
Hike · Riverside County
A canyon with a clear creek and stream-side picnic areas just outside Palm Springs.
Viewpoint · Inyo County
Golden badlands hills that look best at sunrise or sunset. Short walk from the lot.
State park · San Diego County
California's largest state park, with palm canyons, badlands and, in some years, spring wildflowers.
Museum · San Diego County
A huge park with Spanish-style buildings, gardens and more than a dozen museums.
Family fun · San Diego County
A beachfront amusement area with a classic roller coaster and arcade.
Aquarium · San Diego County
An ocean science aquarium with a tide pool plaza and views over La Jolla.
Landmark · San Diego County
Over a hundred giant metal sculptures of dinosaurs, serpents and mammoths in the desert.
National park · San Diego County
A historic lighthouse and tide pools at Point Loma with a big view over San Diego bay.
Garden · San Diego County
Fields of ranunculus flowers in bloom on a hill above the ocean.
Small town · San Diego County
A beach town with a lively village, shops, cafes and a long coastal walk.
Beach · San Diego County
A wide sandy beach in front of a famous Victorian hotel, with calm water and tide pools.
State park · San Diego County
A mountain park of oaks and pines with trails, a lake and views toward the desert.
Hike · San Diego County
Rolling oak and grass hills above Escondido with wide trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
Small town · San Diego County
A surf town with beaches, a famous yoga garden area and a lively main street.
Museum · San Diego County
A hands-on science museum with an IMAX dome theater in Balboa Park.
Food town · San Diego County
Historic downtown blocks with restaurants and nightlife next to the ballpark.
Beach
A friendly beach town with a pier, surf and a sand sculpture contest in summer.
Landmark · Imperial County
A huge dune field popular with off-road vehicles and sandboarding near Glamis.
Food town · San Diego County
An old gold-mining mountain town known for apple pie, cider and fall color.
Theme park · San Diego County
A theme park in Carlsbad built for kids ages 2 to 12, with rides, shows and a water park.
Beach · San Diego County
A sheltered cove with sea lions, snorkeling and sea caves, with cliff views above.
Hike · San Diego County
Pine forest and desert-view trails in the Cleveland National Forest.
Food town · San Diego County
A restored Navy base with restaurants, markets, art studios and bayfront walks.
Museum · San Diego County
Historic ships docked on the bay, including a tall ship and a submarine.
Historic site · San Diego County
The first California mission with a peaceful garden and a small museum.
Beach · San Diego County
A huge bayside park with calm water, bike paths and picnic lawns.
Historic site · San Diego County
The largest of the California missions with a museum and gardens.
Hike · San Diego County
A big city park with hills, a lake and a visitor center. Cowles Mountain is a favorite climb.
Beach · San Diego County
A long fishing pier and a casual beach town with surf shops and cafes.
Landmark · San Diego County
One of the longest wooden piers on the coast with a surf town feel.
Historic site · San Diego County
The birthplace of San Diego with old adobe buildings, museums, shops and Mexican food.
State park · San Diego County
A cool forested mountain with quiet trails and a campground. The observatory is nearby.
Hike · San Diego County
A long hike to a thin rock ledge that is popular for photos.
Landmark · Imperial County
A hand-painted desert art hill near Niland in Imperial County.
Museum · San Diego County
Aircraft and space history in Balboa Park with a flight simulator.
Garden · San Diego County
A large garden in Encinitas with themed areas, a bamboo forest and a children's garden.
Zoo · San Diego County
A world-class zoo with pandas, big cats, gorillas and a hillside garden.
Zoo · San Diego County
A big wildlife park in Escondido with African savannah areas and a tram or safari tour.
Small town · San Diego County
A tiny mountain town with a famous bakery, a ranch store and nearby hills.
Theme park · San Diego County
A marine theme park with coasters, shows and animal exhibits on Mission Bay.
Viewpoint · San Diego County
Wild cliffs over the Pacific with sunset views and tide pools.
Beach · San Diego County
A long open beach below the cliffs. The reserve above is under construction until early 2027, but the beach lots stay open.
Museum · San Diego County
A real aircraft carrier you can tour on the bay with planes on deck.
Food hall · Anaheim
Restored citrus packing house turned food hall.
American · Big Sur
Cliff-top views and the famous Ambrosia burger. Check Highway 1 conditions.
American · Buena Park
Fried chicken dinners next to Knott's Berry Farm.
Bakery · Capitola
Big bakery and deli near the beach.
Brewpub · Eureka
Brewpub in Old Town Eureka.
Ice cream parlor · Fresno
Local scoop shop with creative flavors.
Food hall · Los Angeles
Historic downtown market with dozens of food stalls.
Deli · Los Angeles
Famous pastrami sandwiches.
Food hall · Los Angeles
Old-time market with doughnuts, tacos and gumbo.
Diner · Los Angeles
French dip sandwiches since 1908.
Hot dogs · Los Angeles
Hollywood hot dog stand with long lines.
Seafood · Marshall
Oysters by Tomales Bay. Book ahead.
Seafood · Monterey
Chowder and crab on Fisherman's Wharf.
Seafood · Moss Landing
Cioppino and fresh fish near the harbor.
Food hall · Napa
Riverfront market with oysters, tacos, tea and ice cream.
Ice cream parlor · Oakland
Old-fashioned ice cream parlor open since 1894.
Deli · Palm Springs
Big deli menu and a bakery case.
BBQ · Pioneertown
BBQ and live music in a Wild West movie town.
Seafood · Pismo Beach
Clam chowder in a bread bowl near the pier.
American · Riverside
Dining inside the historic Mission Inn.
Cafe · Sacramento
Garden patio cafe near the Tower Theatre.
Burgers · San Diego
Ocean Beach burger shop with a rowdy mood.
Seafood · San Diego
Fresh fish sandwiches by the bay.
Food hall · San Francisco
Waterfront hall with bakeries, oysters, coffee and local snacks.
Bakery · San Francisco
Watch fresh fortune cookies made by hand in Chinatown.
Diner · San Francisco
Classic brunch spot in North Beach with big omelets and pastries.
Taqueria · San Francisco
Famous Mission-style burritos, no rice, packed with carnitas.
Seafood · San Francisco
Old-school seafood house, one of the city's oldest. Try the cioppino.
Dim sum · San Francisco
Cart-style dim sum downtown, good for groups.
Diner · San Jose
Italian-American classic downtown, family run for decades.
BBQ · San Luis Obispo
Tri-tip sandwiches, a Central Coast favorite.
Bakery · San Luis Obispo
Pink cake, pies and a very quirky dining room.
Food hall · Santa Barbara
Indoor food hall with many small kitchens.
Farm-to-table · Sonoma
French-inspired dishes on the Sonoma plaza using local produce.
Burgers · St. Helena
Burgers and shakes at a Napa Valley roadside stand.
Farm-to-table · Truckee
Live music and a seasonal menu in historic downtown.
Arcade · Alameda
Play-all-you-want pinball museum (check it is open).
Brewery · Chico · 21+
Tours and a taproom at the home brewery.
Brewery · Escondido · 21+
Giant garden setting with a restaurant.
Tour · Eureka
Self-guided tours of an old-style mill and woodworking shop.
Brewery · Healdsburg · 21+
Brewpub just off the plaza.
Live music · Los Angeles
Open-air amphitheater with summer concerts. Off-season is quieter.
Bowling · Los Angeles
Bowling with games and a bar at Hollywood and Highland.
Market · Pasadena
Huge monthly flea market. Check dates.
Brewery · Paso Robles · 21+
Brewery taproom in wine country.
Brewery · Petaluma · 21+
Big taproom with beer garden and tours.
Live music · Pioneertown
Desert BBQ and live shows in a Wild West set.
Brewery · San Diego · 21+
Waterside beer garden in Liberty Station.
Tour · San Francisco
Ferry and audio tour of the famous island prison. Book early.
Market · San Francisco
Big Saturday farmers market on the waterfront with local food and flowers.
Arcade · San Francisco
Free-entry museum of antique arcade machines and player pianos.
Live music · San Francisco
Historic concert hall with a poster-filled upstairs lounge.
Live music · Santa Ana
Mid-size concert venue.
Market · Santa Monica
Multiple weekly farmers markets by the city.
Brewery · Santa Rosa · 21+
Known for Pliny the Elder. Pub on site.
Tour · South Lake Tahoe
Bike and boat rentals near the lake.
Tour · South Lake Tahoe
Gondola ride with lake views, open most of the year.
Market · Venice
Street performers, vendors and skate park.
Live music · West Hollywood
Classic small rock club with a long history.
Movie theater · Arcata
Movies with pizza and beer on the plaza.
Movie theater · Arcata
Oldest purpose-built movie house in the country, as the theater says.
Movie theater · Berkeley
Small art-house cinema.
Movie theater · Fresno
Landmark 1939 theater in the Tower District.
Movie theater · Irvine
Large chain theater at the Spectrum center.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Dine-in theater at The bloc.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Chain theater at the outdoor Grove mall.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
1922 movie palace run with Netflix and American Cinematheque. Tickets are listed at about $15 on its own site.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Three-screen neighborhood cinema.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Repertory double features on film.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Big downtown multiplex with IMAX.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Famous forecourt with celebrity handprints, IMAX screening.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Eagle Rock theater and video store.
Movie theater · Los Angeles
Single-screen Egyptian-style theater with 35mm film.
Movie theater · Oakland
Classic 1926 movie palace with a neon marquee.
Movie theater · Palm Springs
Art-house cinema in the desert.
Movie theater · Palo Alto
Vintage classic film house with an organ.
Movie theater · San Diego
Big chain theater in Mission Valley.
Movie theater · San Diego
Indie films in Hillcrest.
Movie theater · San Francisco
Restored 1916 theater with food at your seat.
Movie theater · San Francisco
Big chain multiplex downtown, includes IMAX.
Movie theater · San Francisco
Neighborhood cinema in the Richmond.
Movie theater · San Francisco
Reopened in February 2026 after a big renovation. Mostly live shows now, with some film events.
Movie theater · San Francisco
Small indie and repertory cinema in the Mission.
Movie theater · San Luis Obispo
Art deco single-screen theater.
Movie theater · San Luis Obispo
Small solar-powered indie cinema.
Movie theater · San Rafael
Nonprofit art-house cinema in downtown San Rafael.
Movie theater · Santa Ana
Indie and cult cinema in downtown Santa Ana.
Movie theater · Santa Barbara
Art-house cinema run by the film festival.
Movie theater · Santa Monica
1940 theater showing classics.
Movie theater · Sonoma
Historic theater on Sonoma plaza.
Typical ticket prices from each theater's own site, with the date we checked; prices and showtimes change, so tap See showtimes for today's.
Lodge · Big Sur
Lodge inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Resort · Big Sur
Luxury cliff resort. Check Highway 1 access.
Campground · Borrego Springs
State park campground in Anza-Borrego.
Resort · Borrego Springs
Desert resort near Anza-Borrego.
Hotel · Coronado
Famous Victorian beach resort.
Campground · Death Valley
Camping in Death Valley, reserve in cooler months.
Inn · Death Valley
Remote desert resort.
Hotel · Death Valley
Rooms by the sand dunes.
Inn · Eureka
Victorian inn in Old Town Eureka.
Resort · Fish Camp
Resort near the south entrance.
Inn · Furnace Creek
Historic oasis inn at Death Valley.
Hotel · Furnace Creek
Family-friendly rooms with a pool.
Inn · Garberville
Tudor-style inn on the Redwood Highway.
Lodge · Groveland
Cabins near the Hetch Hetchy entrance.
Inn · Joshua Tree
Roadside inn with desert history.
Campground · Joshua Tree National Park
Camp among boulders. Reserve ahead.
Hotel · Los Angeles
Downtown Spanish colonial hotel.
Campground · Los Osos
Coastal state park camping.
Hotel · Monterey
Waterfront hotel on Cannery Row.
Hotel · Riverside
Historic landmark hotel.
Hotel · Sacramento
Historic downtown boutique hotel.
Hotel · San Francisco
Nautical hotel at Fisherman's Wharf.
Hotel · San Francisco
Downtown hotel near Union Square.
Inn · San Luis Obispo
Wildly themed rooms.
Cabins · Santa Barbara
Cabins and tents near the coast.
Hotel · Santa Monica
Beachfront hotel.
Lodge · Sequoia National Park
Lodge near the big trees. Check road conditions.
Resort · Sonoma
Wine country spa resort.
Resort · South Lake Tahoe
Cabins and lodge on the lake.
Inn · Twentynine Palms
Oasis inn near Joshua Tree.
Hotel · Wawona
Victorian hotel near the Mariposa Grove. Check season.
Hotel · Yosemite National Park
Grand lodge in Yosemite Valley.
Cabins · Yosemite Valley
Cabins and tent cabins in the valley.
Lodge · Yosemite Valley
Walk to Yosemite Falls.
Hotel · Yountville
Mid-priced Napa valley lodge.
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Facts checked against official sites; each spot shows when. Passes and hours change, so check before you go.