50 photos reveal why California’s attractions are unmissable
Top attractions in the Golden State
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles
Keys View, Joshua Tree National Park
Venice Beach, Los Angeles
San Diego Zoo, San Diego
Big Sur, Central California
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park
State Capitol, Sacramento
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Perched at the ocean’s edge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most popular in the States. The center cares for species from turtles to sea otters and the daily feeding shows are a winner with kids. Their conservation work is also celebrated with efforts including programs to tackle plastic in the ocean and bids to implement sustainable fishing policies. Guided tours are available for a small fee, although you can wander between tanks independently, or arrange a sleepover for the family.
Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Universal Studios Hollywood, San Fernando Valley
Muir Woods National Monument, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Getty Center, Los Angeles
Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe
Huntington City Beach, Huntington Beach
USS Midway Museum, San Diego
Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
Mount Shasta, Cascade Range
Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento
Bodie State Historic Park, Bodie Hills
Pier 39, San Francisco
Hearst Castle, San Simeon
America has only a few fairy tale castles, and Hearst is one of the most enchanting. Along with architect Julia Morgan, media mogul William Randolph Hearst set about creating the estate in the first half of the 20th century, eventually abandoning the project due to poor health. Today, visitors can explore the castle and its surrounds, including the Neptune Pool and the theater, on guided tours. (Discover more of America’s most beautiful castles with our pick of the best.)
High Bluff Overlook, Redwood National Park
Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga, Napa Valley
Centro Cultural de la Raza, Balboa Park, San Diego
Main Beach, Laguna Beach, Orange County
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, Santa Catalina Island
Mission San Diego de Alcalá, San Diego
This white-washed building is the first of California’s 21 Spanish missions, intended to convert the area’s population to Christianity. Established by Majorcan Father Junípero Serra, who arrived in what is now San Diego in 1769, this mission was named after 15th-century saint Didacus of Alcalá. Five years afterwards, drought forced the mission to move and all that remains of its original structure on Presidio Hill is a cross built from the ruins. However, you can visit the mission’s second iteration in its picturesque spot overlooking the San Diego River. It remains a working church, and it can be explored by guided tour.
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park, Lancaster
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs
Oakland Museum of California, Oakland
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster
One of the most beautiful wildflower reserves in the country, Antelope Valley’s poppy fields stretch for 1,700 acres. Eight miles of trails lace the valley (check California State Parks website for updates on blooming times), and you can explore the visitor center to learn more about the flora. However tempting, make sure you don’t pick the poppies – it’s illegal to do so on state-owned property.
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon
Surfrider Beach, Malibu
Legoland California, Carlsbad
Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park
Queen Mary, Long Beach
One of the most famous cruise ships in the world, the Queen Mary has a long history. Her maiden voyage was from Southampton, England in 1936 and her lavish restaurants and bars, pools and a grand ballroom set new standards for sea travel. Having made her name as the premier luxury liner, Queen Mary also served time during the Second World War, operating as a troopship. Her final voyage was in 1967 and today the ship is a museum and hotel with fascinating exhibitions and fine restaurants.
de Young Museum, San Francisco
Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is made up of five islands: Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Anacapa. Explore the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura before venturing out by boat to the islands. Anacapa is one of the most charming and, at just five miles long and half a mile wide, it’s home to several endemic species, including the cute-as-a-button Anacapa deer mouse. Look out for the shell middens left behind by the island’s native inhabitants too. Check out our list of the top 50 things to do in Florida.
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