The 40 Most Beautiful Places You Need to Visit in California
The Golden State really is the "it girl" of the United States.
If there were an "it girl" of the United States, it'd have to be California. Sure, New York City is the place "dreams are made of," according to Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, but Cali is the Golden State. It has stunning weather all year, it's the heart of the Western world's film industry, it's diverse in geography, and it's rich in culture. There are so many beautiful places in California, both manmade and natural, that you could stay an entire month and see only a fraction of what makes it so special. When you're planning a getaway and want to stay relatively close to home, there's no better place to book an Airbnb than sunny California.
Whether you prefer to relax on vacations, want plenty of action, or like a nice mix of both, California gives you options. You can soak up inspiration and shop in design lover's paradise on the Central California Coast, including Malibu, Ojai, and Santa Barbara, or in Palm Springs. You can take in the most exotic places in California at majestic natural attractions like Redwood National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, or Santa Catalina Island. Then there are the city landmarks like Griffith Park in L.A. and the charming Painted Ladies in San Francisco that will fight for the top spot on your itinerary—trust us when we say it'll be hard to do everyone on one trip.
To help you plan, we've put together a list of the 40 most beautiful places in California to visit. Now sit back, play some Red Hot Chili Peppers, and scroll on.
Lake Tahoe
This freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is one of the largest alpine lakes in the country and one of the clearest bodies of water in the world. For the best views, hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, 165 miles of natural beauty everywhere you look.
The Painted Ladies
You might recognize these San Francisco landmarks from Full House, but you really need to see them in person. The Painted Ladies, located on aptly named "Postcard Row," are a stretch of pastel Victorian homes built in the late 1800s. As you walk up the sprawling hill, you get a picture-perfect view of the city skyline.
Mossbrae Falls
This dreamy spring-fed waterfall in northern California, near Dunsmuir, flows into the Sacramento River. It's the moss-covered canyon walls that make this stunning sight so memorable.
The Venice Canals Walkway
If you're looking to travel to Italy without leaving the U.S., add Venice to your bucket list. Walk along the Venice Canals or bring your own boat for a memorable adventure. Between the beautiful waterways and bridges, you won't get bored exploring this incredible area.
Emerald Bay
Also located in the Lake Tahoe region is Emerald Bay, a National Natural Landmark. Bright green trees surround the quiet and peaceful island, bringing new meaning to the great outdoors.
Joshua Tree National Park
This rugged California park is famous for its Joshua trees. Rock climbers come from all over the world to tackle this terrain, but the panorama from the Keys View—considered to be one of the most easily accessible viewpoints—is just as memorable.
Newport Beach
This bright and cheery city is the place to be for anyone who loves boating. Canals separate eight islands, and you'll often see water take the place of regular streets.
Big Sur
The Pacific Coast Highway provides some of the most scenic views of the jagged cliffs and stunning ocean along this stretch of land. Many people take in these sights on a road trip (definitely go over the famous Bixby Bridge—most recently featured in Big Little Lies) and stay in a yurt along the way.
Lava Beds National Monument
For an underground adventure, visit this Tulelake, California, treasure. You can walk through the caves, which were created by the historic eruptions of Medicine Lake Volcano. Some of the underground structures even have tubes made entirely of lava.
Two Rodeo Drive
This Beverly Hills destination is much more than a typical mall. The luxury shopping district was designed to look like Paris's Le Marais neighborhood, complete with cobblestone streets that closely resemble the Rue des Rosiers. The host of archways, fountains, and greenery only add to the sophisticated European feel.
June Lake
This area is often referred to as the "Switzerland of California," known for its glistening water and snow-capped mountains. In the springtime, you'll see wildflowers in bloom. While you can hike this region, there's also the June Lake Loop, a scenic drive that lets you experience it all from the comfort of your car.
Rainbow Falls
It's clear where this beautiful sight gets its name from. Rainbow Falls is located in Mammoth Lakes and stands at a whopping 101 feet tall. Be sure to go midday—when the sun is at its highest—for a greater chance to catch those gorgeous rays of light. Be warned: It takes some hiking (about 2.5 miles each way) to access, but it's worth it.
Ferndale
Walk through the streets of Ferndale, and you'll find out why it's called the "Victorian Village." Gorgeous architecture is at every turn, including on its famous Main Street. Very little has been touched since the town's founding in 1852, so you'll still find old-timey shops, like a butcher, and the Ferndale Repertory Theatre.
Fern Canyon
These towering walls of greenery will transport you back in time. Located in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks, this stunning 50-foot canyon is both a Unesco World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. It's no wonder Jurassic Park was filmed here.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
The hills are alive in the Mojave Desert, where you'll find this magical place. Walking through the rows of bright orange flowers (which bloom from mid-February to May) will make your vacation extra special. The poppy is the official flower of California, after all.
Napa Valley
California's wine region boasts more than 400 wineries—and its rolling hills are best viewed by hot-air balloon. After your ride, explore downtown Napa, which is filled with acclaimed restaurants and late-1800s and early-1900s architecture.
Griffith Park
Even though Griffith Observatory has an impressive planetarium inside, it's the park outside—which covers more than 4,000 acres and offers prime views of the Hollywood sign and downtown Los Angeles—that will take your breath away. No wonder this location played a starring role in La La Land.
The Cypress Tree Tunnel
Between the Pacific Ocean and Tomales Bay is this beautiful road called the Tree Tunnel, thanks to their branches that interlock at the top. This spot is a local favorite as it's rather secluded (which is good news for your photo op).
Glass Beach
This beach is covered not in white sand but in rounded bits of glass, the result of years of waves pounding on the former garbage cliffs at its northernmost end. Talk about trash into treasure!
Santa Catalina Island
For a little slice of Greece right in sunny California, look no further than this island off the coast near Los Angeles. The cliffside homes have a resort-like feel, while the mountainous hiking trails will take you to new heights.
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