California is one of the most varied and most beautiful states in the USA. You will find more than you could imagine here, from pristine beaches and scenic coastal drives to majestic mountain ranges and world-class cosmopolitan cities.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that California often ranks as the number 1 most visited US state.
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Soak Up The Laid-Back Culture In San Diego
If you want to experience awesome vibes, a visit to San Diego is a must. This hipster haven is full of beautiful beaches, impressive street art, unique breweries, and mouth-watering Mexican food.
Moreover, what’s so cool about San Diego is that every neighborhood has a different atmosphere.
The Old Town is a great place to connect to the rich Mexican heritage of the city. It is full of historical sites, colorful buildings, and some of the best Mexican restaurants in California!
Another cultural hub is the 1,200-acre Balboa Park, where you’ll find everything from performing arts to science exhibits.
Walk Among The Stars In Hollywood
A visit to the world-famous Hollywood is at the top of many people’s California bucket lists. One of the most popular activities in this part of Los Angeles is the Walk of Fame.
The world-famous Hollywood Boulevard spans over 18 blocks and features over 2,700 embedded stars of the names of legendary celebrities. However, there is much more to Hollywood than the Walk of Fame.
You can see many famous show business landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theater, Dolby Theater, and Hollywood Palladium. Then there is the iconic Hollywood Sign.
You can spot it from various streets, but head to Lake Hollywood Park or Griffith Park for the best views.
Hang Out In Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the most famous beach in LA, consisting of 3 miles of sandy shoreline, an old school pier, and a bustling vibe. Here you can learn how to catch a wave, play a volleyball game, or work out at the famous Muscle Beach.
You can then walk along the coastline until you reach the vibrant Venice Beach. It’s easy to spend an entire day people-watching in this bohemian neighborhood.
There are always street performers and skateboarders along the boulevard, offering free entertainment. Then, on Pacific Avenue, you’ll find creative murals, trendy cafes, and unique stores.
Walk The Golden Gate Bridge In San Francisco
The 1-mile Golden Gate suspension bridge is the most iconic landmark in San Francisco. You can explore it via foot, bike or boat, and you can admire it from various viewpoints.
I recommend walking or cycling across it and visiting a viewpoint on either side. On the southwest side of the bridge, Baker Beach gives a unique perspective, blending the shoreline, cliffs, and bridge.
Then, on the northern side, head out to Hawk Hill to see the bridge from an elevated position.
Another must-do in San Francisco Bay is a sunset bay cruise. This lets you see the bridge close up as you go underneath.
You’ll also spot many other San Francisco attractions, like Alcatraz Island and PIER 39.
Go Hiking In Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is a must-visit for all nature lovers. This famous national park lies on the western side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, boasting giant sequoia trees, huge boulders, and thundering waterfalls.
Yosemite has two active glaciers, a three-part 2,425 feet (739 meters) high waterfall (famously known as the Yosemite Falls), and a 7.5-mile-long (12 kilometers), 3,000–3,500 ft (914-1067 m) deep glacier valley.
Another popular sight in Yosemite is Mirror Lake, which beautifully reflects the surrounding trees and peaks.
While here, check out Mariposa Grove too, which is home to over 500 ancient giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
Yosemite is a 3-hour drive from San Francisco or 4-5 hours from Los Angeles. You’ll find tour companies in both cities that run day trips and multi-day tours.
Do the Big Sur Scenic Drive
Big Sur is undoubtedly the most scenic road trip in California, consisting of 90 miles of coastal road with numerous beaches, viewpoints, and other natural wonders.
In addition, big Sur is conveniently located between two of the state’s biggest cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it an accessible day trip.
The coastal road trip stretches from Carmel to San Simeon and takes 2 to 2.5 hours to drive, not including stops. However, as there are many excellent attractions along this drive, you’ll need to spend at least a day here.
If you like wildlife, check out Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you’ll spot many marine animals like sea lions, seals, and sea otters. Then, stop at the enormous Bixby Creek Bridge for the most picture-perfect views.
The unique location boasts the multi-shade ocean on one side and a deep canyon on the other side.
Finally, if you want to see one of the most unique waterfalls you’ll ever encounter, head to McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This fall cascades down an 80-foot (24 meters) tall cliff straight into the pacific ocean.
Go Wine Tasting In Napa Valley
Napa Valley is California’s most famous wine region, with over 375 wineries and vineyards! Many offer tastings and tours, allowing travelers to create their own vineyard-hopping day trip.
Napa Valley is most known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Still, you’ll also find many other wine varieties, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
However, Napa Valley isn’t one of California’s most desirable destinations just for its world-class wine; the region boasts stunning scenery, too.
You can drive here from San Francisco, just 75 minutes away. But if you prefer someone else to do the driving, many tour companies offer tasting trips to Napa Valley.
Or, for something a bit more alternative, hop on the vintage Napa Valley Wine Train!
Have Your Mind Blown At Death Valley
Death Valley is famously known as the land of extremes, drawing in almost a million visitors to see its bizarre sights every year.
This part of California is so well known because it holds the record for the highest temperature ever to be recorded on earth; 134 degrees (57 celsius)!
While I don’t recommend visiting Death Valley during the scorching summer months, it’s one of the best regions in California to see in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Aside from the springtime colors, there is much to discover here, such as the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Devil’s Golf Course (a large salt pan with unique pointy and lumpy formations).
Also, check out the lowest elevation in North America at Badwater Basin and the 2100-year-old volcanic Ubehebe Crater.
And, of course, the must-see here is the Death Valley Racetrack, where the bizarre geology of the area causes rocks to move on their own across a dry lake.
Go Hiking In The Redwoods
Redwood National Park in Northern California is one of the most majestic-looking regions, thanks to its varied scenery of giant Redwoods, serene creeks, and sandy beaches.
You’ll find many excellent hiking trails here, ranging from short and gentle to long and strenuous.
The must-see in the Redwoods is undoubtedly the prehistoric Fern Canyon, which has risen to fame since being used as a filming location for Jurassic Park 2.
Here you will witness the astonishing sight of primal ferns as old as 325 million years growing in a narrow 50-foot-deep (15 meters) walled canyon.
The trail to reach it is an easy 1-mile loop from the end of Gold Bluffs Beach in Prairie Creek.
Relax At Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is another of California’s most stunning nature spots. The picturesque Tahoe is 22 miles (35 meters) long and 12 miles (19 kilometers) wide, with 72 miles (116 kilometers) of shoreline.
It straddles the border of California and Nevada and is within driving distance from San Francisco.
Lake Tahoe is a magnificent area to visit all year round. You can enjoy a wide range of watersports in the summer, from kayaking to paddle boarding.
Then, in the winter, you’ll find some of the best Alpine Skiing, like at the famous Heavenly Ski Village. Lastly, the pleasant climate of Spring and Fall makes for an ideal time to go hiking in Lake Tahoe.
Whatever time of year you visit, check out the beautiful Emerald Bay State Park. Emerald Bay is located south of Tahoe and features one of the best sunsets in the state.
I recommend taking a sunset sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay to best see the changing hues of the sky reflecting in the waters.
Final Thoughts On California Bucket List Experiences
Whatever type of traveler you are, you’re bound to fall in love with California.
The Golden State features some of the country’s most beautiful nature destinations, the most desirable cities to live in, and everything in between.
So, what are you waiting for? Let this California bucket list inspire you to plan an epic trip today!
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