California

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Golden Gate Bridge via Presidio. San Francisco, California. May 2025.

Benjamin Heath for Lonely Planet

Why visit California

Twinkling cities, misty redwood forests, sun-kissed beaches, a creative local food scene and an adventurous attitude: California is instantly captivating.

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Road Trippin' USA: San Francisco, National Parks & Las Vegas

11 days / 10 nights

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  1. 1 Riding a historic cable car to see the seals of San Francisco's Fisherman’s Wharf
  2. 2 Whitewater rafting along the thrilling South Fork American River
  3. 3 Hiking past Liberty Cap and Half Dome on a guided tour of Yosemite's highlights
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  • From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days
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    From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

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  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
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    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

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Top places to visit in California

Discover the best attractions in California from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

California travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees, but there's much more to see in the Golden State. Here are California's top things to do.

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Best Time to Visit

From avoiding the crowds to getting the best budget deal, here's what's happening through the seasons in California.

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Things to Know

California's sun-drenched parks, beaches and cities are a huge draw for tourists but where to begin? Here's what you need to know before you go.

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Transportation

California may be besotted with cars but that's not the only way to see the Golden State. Here's everything to know about getting around California.

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Free Things to Do

California attracts travelers with expensive tastes but there's plenty to do here on a budget. Here's our round-up of the best freebies in the Golden State.

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Best Road Trips

California's unforgettable scenery tugs at your heart and soul. See the best of it with these road trips.

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Money and Costs

California has a lot to offer travelers and unfortunately, the price tag to match. But there are ways to visit on a budget if you know how!

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Best Places to Visit

From cosmopolitan cities to epic natural wonders, California has it all, and the state's best places appeal to travelers of all sorts.

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