When it comes to famous places, California is well known for being its own perfect paradise. It’s the third largest state in the nation, and it has almost everything you could want in a destination. From sandy beaches to mountains and deserts, California has hundreds of stunning sites.
This gorgeous state has something to offer every kind of tourist, and when you’re planning a vacation there, it can be hard to choose only a few stunning sites to see. Let’s look at nineteen of the most beautiful sites in California.
Lake Tahoe
It doesn’t get much better than this freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This is known as one of the largest Alpine lakes in the country and is an experience like no other. If you’re into hiking, you can hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, which allows you to submerge yourself fully in the lake’s natural beauty.
Joshua Tree
It’s hard not to have heard of the famous Joshua Tree, a desert close to Palm Springs. Here, you’ll leave behind the sandy beaches of California to explore a desert hike. Joshua Tree National Park is huge and offers hours of hiking for those who want to get outside and explore, and downtown Joshua Tree is a great place to visit vintage shops. There’s even a camping area if you want to stay at the park overnight.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
Ever wanted to see purple sand? Well, California provides the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! This is known as one of the most exotic places in California and is a site that’s worth the travel! Hidden in the Big Sur, this beautiful beach has streaks of purple sand marbled in with black and white sand decorating it.
The Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies is a San Fransisco hotspot that is a must-see on the bucket list when visiting the city. This site features a stretch of pastel Victorian homes that boast a stunning view to visitors. Here, you can see the beautifully colored homes with the city skyline behind it, creating the perfect backdrop. Bonus: If you grew up watching Full House, you’ll be familiar with these houses!
The Venice Canals Walkway
Have you always wanted to visit Italy? Here’s your opportunity; you don’t even have to leave the United States. In California, you can walk along the Venice Canals or bring your boat and adventure on the water. With the stunning bridges and waterways, you can ensure that you’ll never get tired of this beautiful site.
Newport Beach
It doesn’t get much better for boat lovers than the gorgeous Newport Beach. This cherry city is unique and stunning in all the right ways. Here, you’ll find canals separating eight islands and long stretches of water that take the place of streets. This is aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable for any type of guest.
Lava Beds National Monument
If you’re tired of doing things above ground, you can take a trip down below to visit a California hotspot. This Tulelake treasure allows you to walk through caves created by Medicine Lake Volcano’s historical eruptions. This lava walk will surely leave you in amazement as there are tubes made entirely of lava.
Two Rodeo Drive
Two Rodeo Drive is the Beverly Hills destination for tourists and locals alike. These luxury shops are a steep step up from your typical mall visit. The strip of shops was made to look like Paris’s Le Marais neighborhood and is adorned with cobblestone streets, fountains, archways, and greenery. This is classy, sophisticated, and everything else you could expect in one of the most famous destinations in California.
Rainbow Falls
Once you visit this location, it’s instantly clear where it got its name. Rainbow Falls is located in Mammoth Lakes and is 101 feet tall. At the right time of day, you can see the sun hit the water in the perfect way and catch the stunning rays of light on the falls.
Big Sur
If you haven’t heard of the Big Sur yet, then you’ve been living under a rock because this California site is famous. The Pacific Coast Highway offers stunning and scenic views of the ocean and jagged cliffs you will never forget. This road trip is one you’ll remember forever!
Valley View, Yosemite
If you’ve visited California before and haven’t been to Yosemite National Park, you’ve committed the ultimate travel crime. The Yosemite Valley is gorgeous, with granite domes carved by glaciers, and is certainly any photographer’s dream. No matter what angle you see the park from, you’re sure to get an Instagram-worthy photo that will make even the most veteran photographers jealous. Valley View is an especially stunning view of the park that will surely leave you breathless.
Hearst Castle
This is one of California’s most historic and stunning attractions. Hearst Castle boasts 127 acres of pools, walkways, gardens, terraces, and pools. This attraction allows visitors to explore the beautiful sites surrounding it and walk through the popular Hearst Castle, leaving them in awe of California’s beauty.
Hawk Hill, Marin County
When most people visit San Francisco, they usually don’t explore the Golden Gate Bridge much except drive over it. But this Hawk Hill view is where you’ll get the best bridge view. It’s located on the other side of the bridge in the Marin Headlands, and you get the perfect view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Tip: You can rent e-bikes to ride across the bridge and up to Hawk Hill. It makes the experience that much more enjoyable!
Santa Cruz, Channel Islands
Santa Cruz Island, located off the coast of Santa Barabara, will make you feel like you’re visiting a Mediterranean island. Except you’ll be in California. This island has spectacular views, hiking trails, seasonal whale sightings, and more. You can spend hours exploring this island and all it has to offer!
Mount Shasta
Have you ever wanted to visit a volcanic mountain? Believe it or not, California even has one! You can visit Mount Shasta, located north of San Francisco and 14,161 feet tall. This is a beautiful mountain, and it is everything you would expect in a beautiful California site. Some stunning trails and waterfalls will immerse you in nature and allow you to enjoy the scenery!
Painted Canyons, Mecca
If you’re looking for a California hike with some wicked cool scenery, the Painted Canyons are for you! This hike isn’t too difficult, but it’s important that you’re not scared of heights as it’s adventurous. You climb ladders to reach new parts of the hike, and it can get pretty hot during certain months. Remember to bring water and be prepared to climb ladders!
Point Cabrillo Light Station
This light station is a must-visit for all California visitors! This lighthouse is beyond adorable and has been used for navigational purposes since 1909. You walk along a short trail to reach the lighthouse, and you’ll have gorgeous views once you reach the light station.
Lone Cypress
The Lone Cypress offers beauty like no other destination. It stands along a rocky outcropping off Pebble Beach’s drive. The Lone Cypress has been around for 250 years, withstanding centuries of turmoil and storms. You can visit this tree and go along the 17-mile drive on Pebble Beach for the complete experience.
Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is located directly in the California desert. Despite the name, this sea is a lake, and it’s about 235 feet below sea level. It is the largest lake in California, and you can camp overnight there. This is a unique location, certainly worth the visit!
We Spent Three Days on Mackinac Island and This is What it Was Like
Stepping onto Mackinac Island feels like entering a storybook setting. It has a Norman Rockwell meets Disneyland’s Main Street type of feel, which had us immediately enchanted, soaking in the nostalgic charm and timeless beauty around every corner.
Recently, my family and I were invited to come and experience what Mission Point Resort has to offer on Mackinac Island. Not having been before, we weren’t sure what to expect of an island where cars weren’t allowed, but we were (very!) pleasantly surprised by the charm and quaintness the island offers.
Here’s what it was like to spend a few days in this laid-back Michigan town.
We Spent Three Days on Mackinac Island and This is What it Was Like
The World’s Most Beautiful Mountain Ranges
For as long as humans have existed, mountains have inspired and daunted us. They’re the basis for countless legends, and although they can be deadly, have an irresistible pull on us, drawing millions of sightseers, hikers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts every year. Making a definitive list of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world is subjective, but the ones here are certainly strong contenders.
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.