Best Places to Visit in California: Cities, Parks & Coast

Compare the best places to visit in California, including major cities, national parks, coastal destinations, deserts, wine country and redwoods.
California travel guides, itineraries, cities, parks and road trips.

Compare the best places to visit in California, including major cities, national parks, coastal destinations, deserts, wine country and redwoods.

Discover the best things to do in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to neighborhoods, parks, viewpoints, museums and food.

Plan California with kids using the best family destinations, theme parks, beaches, national parks, road-trip pacing, hotel strategy and a practical 12-day route.

Plan a first Yosemite trip with current 2026 reservation guidance, seasons, roads, areas, hikes, lodging, transport and a realistic three-day itinerary.

Discover 15 of the best small towns in California, from Carmel and Mendocino to wine country, Gold Country, Tahoe and the desert, with road-trip planning tips.

Plan Monterey and Carmel with the aquarium, Point Lobos, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel Beach, where to stay, whale watching and a practical 3-day itinerary.

Plan your first San Diego trip with advice on neighborhoods, beaches, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado, transport, families and a realistic itinerary.

Plan Joshua Tree with 2026 entry rules, best seasons, entrances, hikes, sights, lodging, stargazing, summer safety and a one- or two-day itinerary.

Plan Death Valley with practical advice on seasons, heat safety, current road checks, top sights, lodging, driving routes and a one- or two-day itinerary.

Plan a California national parks road trip with a realistic 18–21 day route, shorter loops, seasonal road advice and strategies for Yosemite, Sequoia, deserts and more.