Featuring a diverse range of landmarks and attractions, California is loaded with places to visit.
Covering such a vast geographical space and featuring an ever expanding list of attractions, deciding which places to visit in California is no mean feat. From the razzmatazz of Los Angeles to the elegant charm of San Francisco via the luscious landscapes of the Pacific coast, there’s enough in the Golden State to keep anybody busy.
When deciding which locations and attractions to visit, it’s a good idea to first look at the major cities in the state. Whilst there are many medium to large cities in the area, three prove to be highly popular tourist destinations: Los Angeles; San Francisco; and San Diego.
LOS ANGELES: Undoubtedly the most popular city in the whole of California, the City of Angels is rife with world-famous landmarks and attractions.
Hollywood is a popular destination with visitors, thanks to its close links with the big screen, which has awed people for more than a century now. The Hollywood sign and mansions of Hollywood Hills are visited each year by hundreds of thousands of tourists, and have become iconic Californian features.
The Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard and Mann’s Chinese Theatre have become synonymous with glitz and glamour, whilst Universal Studios California, with its guided backlot tours and theme park rides, is one of the most visited state attractions.
Of course the Disneyland resort eclipses all other sites when it comes to visitor footfall. Located in Anaheim, just south of Los Angeles, the home of Mickey Mouse is a must for those heading to the west coast.
SAN FRANCISCO: No list of places to visit in California would be complete without a trip to the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. The city of San Francisco, in which the gate can be found, is wildly different to Los Angeles. Here there’s a sense of historic culture and a much more relaxed atmosphere. The Bay Area, which also includes Oakland, isn’t as hot as the southern parts of the state, but it is as fascinating.
SAN DIEGO: The southernmost city in the state is frequented by those heading to/from Mexico as well as those looking to visit the renowned SeaWorld and Zoo attractions. The city features a wide range of picturesque parks and seafront.
Away from the built-up cities, California has even more to offer. Due to its huge landmass, the state features a wide range of physical landscapes.
The most obvious is its extensive coastline. From the sandy beaches of Southern California to the jagged cliffs of the north, this coastline is truly remarkable. The popular attraction Big Sur, which can be found between LA and San Francisco, is somewhat of a microcosm of this diverse shoreline.
Inland, a list of places to visit in California should always include the central vineyards (including Napa Valley) as well as the Yosemite and Sierra Nevada National Parks. The northern part of the state features lush, almost untouched forestry, whilst a true rural experience comes in the form of the Death Valley deserts. Finally, if you’re looking for something out-of-the-ordinary, be sure to visit the California Aqueduct. This marvel of modern technology transfers water from Nevada to the Central and Southern parts of the state.