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If you are wondering which city to visit in the United States, you will have no dearth of tourist attractions in California. Right from dense forests and rugged coastlines of North California to sunny beaches, majestic mountains and deserts of the South, there are numerous places to visit in California. Whether you are travelling with family or taking a solo trip, California offers enough adventures and activities for visitors of all ages. The top ten places to visit in California lie in its most vibrant cities, which have diverse cultural and geographic offerings, including iconic landmarks.
Top 10 Places To Visit In California
The best tourist places in California have attractions that can offer visitors an exciting time and some unforgettable memories. You can begin to make yur California tourist places list to plan your next trip.
1. Alcatraz Island
Photo: Kelly / Pexels / image For Representation Only
Once a very secure federal prison in the USA that held dangerous criminals but decommissioned in 1963, Alcatraz Island is now a museum that attracts millions of visitors each year. You can embark on a ferry starting from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island and explore this beautiful island at your own will. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour led by a park ranger to learn more about the captivating history of this island.
Location: San Francisco
Timings: 8:40 AM – 1:35 PM, 3:50 PM – 4:45 AM
2. Universal Studios Hollywood
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
Your trip will be incomplete without a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the best places to visit in California. Get ready for a fun-filled day of action-packed entertainment all in one place. Right from the thrilling theme park rides to the shows and actual movie studios, this place is fun for people of all ages. You can visit Los Angeles’ best restaurants, shops, and movie theatres at City Walk. Take the iconic Studio Tour to discover Universal Studios’ back lot. Then, face head-on adrenalin-pumping rides, attractions and shows that are based on the world’s most popular movies.
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
3. Golden Gate Bridge
Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons
One of the world’s most breathtaking bridges, the Golden Gate Bridge stretches for 42,000 feet and towers as high as a 65-storey building. This historic suspension bridge, which is the gateway to San Francisco, offers panoramic views of the bay and stunning viewpoints throughout. With enormous towers, sweeping cables, huge length and unique architecture, this orange-coloured bridge is an engineering marvel and a visual treat. You can rent a bike to enjoy a scenic ride, walk or take a guided tour to experience this bridge. The Welcome Center houses information, merchandise and exhibits about the bridge.
Location: San Francisco
Fees: Free for Pedestrians and Bikes, Toll charge for Motor Vehicles
4. Griffith Observatory
Photo: Geminiiphotographs Gemini / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This historic observatory is nestled in the Hollywood hills and is famous for its interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and splendid view of the Hollywood sign board and Los Angeles city. Situated on Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers some splendid views of the city, especially after sunset. Inside the observatory, visitors can enjoy shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, look through the free telescopes, and explore the many exhibits. Griffith Park, beside the observatory, has dense trees, trails, trains and other attractions.
Location: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles
Fees: Free
Timings: 5 AM – 10:30 PM
5. San Diego Zoo
Photo: Andrewjames954 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the biggest interactive zoos in the world and among the top places to visit in California, the San Diego Zoo was the pioneer in preserving animals in their natural ecosystems. Visitors can have an informative and fun-filled experience exploring the cageless animals and enjoy activities like giraffe feeding. Housing over 4000 animals, this zoo gives visitors a chance to study the wildlife of several ecosystems, right from rainforests to plains, grasslands and deserts. You can ride the tour bus that covers about 3/4th of the zoo area and learn more about the exhibits from the guide.
Location: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
6. The Getty Center
Photo: Robert F. Tobler / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you appreciate world-class art and enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, the Getty Center, Los Angeles is the place for you. You can ride a tram up to this lavish complex that has a museum featuring works of world-class artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne and Monet. You can enjoy stunning views of Los Angeles right from the Cactus Garden and a delicious meal at the Center’s contemporary restaurant. If you wish to delve deep into the art, you can book a museum tour accompanied by a professional guide.
Location: 1200 Getty Ctr Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Fees: Free
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), 10 AM – 9 PM (Saturday)
7. USS Midway Museum
Photo: Svebert / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in downtown San Diego, the historic USS Midway Museum was originally the longest-serving aircraft carrier in America in the 20th century. Later, it was converted into an interactive museum that offers an exciting adventure for the entire family. Guests can walk in the shoes of around 2,25,000 men who served in the Midway. With exhibits spanning over 10 acres, tourists can also explore the spectacular flight deck in the aircraft gallery, over 30 restored aircraft, and experience flight simulators. There is the Battle of Midway immersive theatre, virtual tours and self-guided audio tours with narration by sailors in several languages.
Location: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego CA
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Sunday)
8. La Jolla Cove
Photo: Ajay Suresh / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting this beach on the coast of San Diego is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sandstone cliffs encompass the LA Jolla Cove beach and have waters calm enough for visitors to enjoy water sports like surfing, snorkelling or diving. You take a troll along the rugged and rocky shoreline and spot huge colonies of sea lions and their pups relaxing in their natural environment. You can have a picnic at sunset while soaking in the views of the ocean from atop a cliff. You can go for a swim in the pristine tidal pools or pay a visit to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which is accessible via a tunnel.
Location: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla CA
Fees: Free
9. Disneyland Park
Photo: Cd637 / Wikimedia Commons
Disneyland Resort is definitely among the best places to visit in California. Situated in Anaheim, 30 miles from Los Angeles, this vibrant park is fun-filled entertainment for the entire family, especially kids. You can meet Disney characters like Mickey and friends, hop on thrilling rides, and catch up with unique shows, including 3D and virtual reality experiences while here. Explore classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Star Wars, Fantasyland, Adventureland and many more. Due to its constant effort to better itself, Disneyland California has become a must-visit attraction for tourists around the globe.
Location: 1313 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
Fees: Depends upon the day of visit, age of visitor and tier
Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
10. Santa Monica Pier
Photo: Mathias Paulet / Pexels
This hundred-year-old historic wooden pier offers spectacular views of the mountains and the bay around it. The area offers a vibrant mix of street performances and eateries. You can catch the setting sun from the fishing deck at one end of the pier. One of the very popular wharves in the L.A. area, this pier has several food joints, souvenir shops, street artists and many other things to do. You can ride the giant Ferris wheel in the amusement park or indulge in some arcade games or thrilling rides.
Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA 90401
Fees: Free entrance, tickets for rides and attractions vary
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
California has always been on the bucket list of travel enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty, weather, very popular tourist spots and iconic destinations. From the many options, you can pick the best places to visit in California that can offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now that you know the best places for a California trip, connect with TripXL to plan your next unforgettable winter or summer vacation to one of the biggest states in the USA.
Cover Photo: Craig Dietrich / Wikimedia Commons
