California
Nathan Yan / Stocksy United
Overview
Twinkling cities, misty redwood forests, sun-kissed beaches, a creative local food scene and an adventurous attitude: California is instantly captivating.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
Yosemite means "killer" in the Indigenous Miwok language, and in today's parlance it's indeed an impressive, awesome site. Everywhere you look in Yosemite…
San Francisco
When Frederick Law Olmsted, architect of New York's Central Park, gazed in 1865 upon the plot of land San Francisco Mayor Frank McCoppin wanted to turn…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
Alcatraz: for over 150 years, the name has given the innocent chills and the guilty cold sweats. Over the decades, it’s been a military prison, a…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
Is there a science to skateboarding? Do toilets really flush counterclockwise in Australia? At San Francisco's hands-on science museum, you'll find out…
The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero Hill
Since at least the 1980s, if you stroll through San Francisco's Mission District you've likely noticed the neighborhood's profusion of colorful murals and…
Orange County
What started as a simple berry farm is now a sprawling 160-acre operation with rides, live shows and lovable Peanuts characters roaming the grounds. Knott…
Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
Prepare for a sensory overload on Venice's Boardwalk, a one-of-a-kind experience. Buff bodybuilders brush elbows with street performers and sellers of…
The Haight & Hayes Valley
Was it the fall of 1966 or the winter of ’67? As the Haight saying goes, if you can remember the Summer of Love, you probably weren’t here. The fog was…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your 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.
Read articleBest 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.
Read articleBest Time to Visit
From avoiding the crowds to getting the best budget deal, here's what's happening through the seasons in California.
Read articleThings 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.
Read articleTransportation
California may be besotted with cars but that's not the only way to see the Golden State. Here's everything you need to know about getting around California.
Read articleFree 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.
Read articleMoney 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!
Read articleBest Road Trips
These ultimate California road trips take you from sea to mountains and through desert and redwoods.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from California
Filter by interest:
Camping
Plan the ultimate road trip between three iconic California national parksApr 13, 2025 • 11 min read
Tips & AdviceThe best places to travel between Christmas and New Year’s EveOct 31, 2024 • 9 min read
OutdoorsNapa or Sonoma: which California wine region offers superior sipping?Apr 29, 2024 • 7 min read
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