10 Places to Visit in California that Everyone Should See

When we hear about California, it’s usually concerning celebrities or beach side fun, but this state is actually one of the most diverse and visually appealing locations in America. This is due to the presence of countless different types of landscapes, climates, and tourist attractions.

The best places to visit in California lie within ten of its major cities. Like any good article, we’ll move from top to bottom not only in the order of the words, but also in the location of the state. Be it by car, plane, or boat, it’s time to find out 10 cities you absolutely must visit when you come to California.

The 10 Best Cities to Visit in California


Mount Shasta, California

This picturesque city is located at the base of Mount Shasta which is a 14,179-foot landmark that punctuates the already beautiful landscape surrounding it. The city is small, only several thousand people in population, which gives it a small and quaint feel.

Fishing is a popular pastime around the city. The Sacramento, McCloud, and Klamath rivers are all within reasonable distance of the town and provide great trout fishing potential. There are also plenty of options for cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and biking or hiking around the waterfalls and lakes in the area.

If you’re considering visiting during the winter months for snow, you will be pleased to hear that Mount Shasta provides the city with more precipitation that the regions to the north which means that the winter sees up to 103 inches of snow which is far more than other town in the area.

Consider these popular locations as places to stay when you book your trip to Mount Shasta:


South Lake Tahoe, California

When staying here you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest lakes in the world. This location sits between California and Nevada and during the winter is a major retreat for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other winter sports activities.

The summer months offer sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, sky diving, and swimming in the iconic lake. This location offers something for everyone in each season of the year. The alpine landscape is breathtaking at sunset, and the nearby Sierra Mountains are sure to grasp your attention and never let it go.

The downtown area offers a wealth of casinos, dance clubs, and a variety of restaurants as well. When looking to stay here, consider these high quality hotels and resorts:


Sacramento, California

While the city of Sacramento is indeed the capital of California, it has far more to offer than simple government buildings. In its modern form, it is known as one of the top cities in the state for art, museums, galleries, performing arts, and stunning architecture.

There are numerous theatres where you can catch comedy shows or live performances in this city. Sacramento is also home to two major zoos where you can have up close encounters with all kinds of unique animals and insects. The old towns such as Old Sacramento also offer streets lined with bars, shops, and restaurants ripe for you to explore.

While it is a government building, the California State Capitol Museum is a great place to visit here and it’s open every day in downtown Sacramento. Outdoor lovers would be remiss to pass up the Jedidiah Smith Memorial trail, a 32 mile nature trail for biking, walking, and running. If you’re more in a water-based mood, there are two major rivers surrounding the city that are always filled with boaters, fishers, and water sports enthusiasts.

When planning your trip, don’t miss out on these great hotels and resorts:


Napa, California

The name of this city is commonly paired with “valley” to represent this winery and vineyard hub that is recognized around the world. Tours are offered through the various fields of grape vines and wine tastings are hosted constantly. The largest tourist attractions are easily the wineries and vineyards.

Napa also offers exquisite dining options that grant you the opportunity to sample food from top chefs as you pair it with the wines the area is so famous for. Various tours, tastings, and even classes are offered at these various locations.

Like many other parts of California, Napa also offers music and nightlife, along with plenty of shopping and outdoor activities such as hiking trails, parks, and biking courses. As you prepare for your trip, consider some of these highly rated hotels and resorts as places to stay:


San Francisco, California

One of the most well-known cities in California is San Francisco. With iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay, and Chinatown, this city is an absolute must to visit when you plan your trip to California.

Planning what you will do in this iconic city can be a daunting task. For starters, you should walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to marvel in the presence of its 746-foot towers. In the mornings throughout the week, the Ferry Building plays host to a aisles and aisles of farmers and artisans selling organic fruits, vegetables, meat, cheeses, and plenty more.

The historic cable cars that run through the streets of the city are an official landmark, and only a couple dollars can buy you a ride on one. They may only go nine miles-per-hour, but the experience is once in a lifetime to be sure.

These are just a couple suggestions among the numerous possible activities and landmarks this city has to offer you. Book your stay for several days to see it all, and look into some of these high-quality hotels:


Monterey, California

While you may not see this small coastal town on every list you come across, it’s worth visiting if only for the incredible amount of culture and heritage that is oozing from every nook and cranny of the location. With roots in both Mexican and literary tradition, this is the place to visit if you fancy yourself some classic history.

The coastal location affords you a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and offers activities like kayaking, whale watching, parasailing, hang gliding, and more. With art galleries, museums, and the Laguna Seca Raceway all within your reach, this is one of California’s hidden gems.

If you’re looking for the next hiking adventure in your life, be sure to check out the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail. Tours of the Monterey Bay are also available, and pair great with a visit to the nearby aquarium. There is even a park here based on the classic Dennis the Menace.

When finding your way to this slice of paradise, be sure to check out this top rated hotels:


Fresno, California

If you’re looking to visit either the Yosemite or the Sequoia National Parks, Fresno is the perfect place to stay for easy access to these major parks. The city is located in the center of the San Joaquin Valley and represents a major agricultural hub for the state of the California.

This city is also a major source of history, culture, and the arts. For example, there are ten major performing arts and music organizations within the city. Major historic theatres are also used as venues for this performances such as the Azteca Theatre, the Tower Theatre, the Warriors Theatre, and many more. The city is also host to various museums and other attractions like zoos, underground gardens, and more.

When visiting this hub of culture, be sure to check out these high rated hotels for your accommodations:


Death Valley Junction, California

You may be wondering why we’re recommending you visit the lowest, driest, and hottest place on Earth, also known as Death Valley. It may be an extreme, but the sights you’ll see are entirely worth the blistering heat. In the same day you’re opt to see forests, salt flats, rolling dunes, and mountains in the distance.

Some popular activities in this area include a hike through the Titus Canyon that ends with a stop in Death Valley itself. You’ll not want to miss the Racetrack either, a unique area where rocks move across the desert landscape, leaving trails. It is a place of mystery as no one has ever actually watched the rocks move.

Another unique attraction is Cerro Gordo, a ghost town that offers tours of the historical buildings that have been restored to their original layouts. So, it may be one of the hottest places on Earth, but consider this air conditioned hotels when you’re booking your trip:


Los Angeles, California

Even more so than San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hollywood specifically are two of the most iconic aspects of California. With Beverly Hills representing the famous fashions and shopping locations and Downtown L.A. acting as the business and art district, it’s no wonder this city is the home of the world’s biggest stars.

Speaking of celebrities, you’ll see plenty of them on these streets, in addition to locations that will give you a strong sense of Deja Vu. Some of the best locations to see, besides the already mention options, are the Sunset Strip, the Santa Monica promenade, and the Venice Boardwalk.

Everywhere you turn in this city, there’s something new and exciting for you to experience. You can even do a little stargazing at the Griffith Observatory. Remember to consider these top hotels though when you’re planning out the trip:


San Diego, California

On the southern tip of California is a city known for its beaches, tourism, surfing, and military innovation. The largest appeal of this city is the beach, which is famous for the fantastic views and the beautiful sunsets. There’s plenty more to do though when you’ve become waterlogged.

You can visit the world famous San Diego Zoo, or check out the Shamu show at Seaworld San Diego. In Balboa Park, you’ll find the aforementioned zoo in addition to 15 other museums in that same area. You’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars all across the city as well.

This city is also known for its military research and biotechnology innovation in addition to other major industry hubs. The military has a museum on the decommissioned aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Midway.

When planning your trip, check out these award-winning hotels for your accommodations:


A State With So Much to Offer


These cities are the top places to visit in California. It’s hard to believe that so much can be packed into one state, but the truth of the matter is that this is a hub of culture, diversity, tourism, technology, and entertainment that must be seen to be believed.

Thanks as always for reading and have a great trip to this beautiful state!




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