The Top 20 Must See Places in California

California. Known as "The Golden State," California is one of the most distinct states in the US in an amazing way. Because of its size, environmental diversity, ethic culture, and urban activity, California has a lot to offer the many visitors it hosts every year. From sun-scorched deserts to shaded redwood forests and majestic mountain tops; from sprawling metropolises to quiet countrysides, California has it all.

Below I have listed what I believe to be the top twenty places to visit in the California. Within these twenty are a diverse selection of natural wonders and popular attractions that are fun for the whole family. Hopefully, this will help visitors pick out some of the “must stop” venues for an exciting adventure in California.

#20 San Simeon State Park/Hearst Castle - Located along California's Hwy 1, the Hearst Castle and the San Simeon beach are a powerful duo. San Simeon has a really cool viewing area for Sea Elephants and is a fabulous place to watch a sunset. The main building of Heart Castle has 115 rooms and the property features eight beautiful acres of cultivated gardens.
Hearst San Simeon State Park Website
Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument Website

#19 The California State Capital Museum, Sacramento - Tour the California State Capital Building. Public tours are available daily.
Museum Information
About the State Capital

#18 The Queen Mary at Long Beach - The famous RMS Queen Mary lies docked at Long Beach. Tours and overnight stays are offered.
Queen Mary Site
Queen Mary Info

#17 Knotts Berry Farm Theme Park, Buena Park - Visit one of Americas funnest theme parks.
Park Website

#16 Napa Valley and the Vineyards - Visit one of the most beautiful and well known vine producing regions in the world.
Napa Valley.com
Napa County

#15 Driving the 101 North of San Fransisco - Enjoy breathtaking scenery of redwood forests and costal shores. Check out my Hub titled: Traveling Along on Hwy 1 in California.
US Route 101

#14 The Huntington Library and Gardens, Pasadena - Tour gardens, art exhibits, and Library.
Huntington Library Website

City of Pasadena

#13 Larson Volcanic National Park - This site is little known, but hosts some of the most incredible views in the state. Over 150 miles of hiking trails, 8 campsites, and 106,372 acres of beauty are offered.

Park Website
Lassen Volcanic

#12 J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles - View incredible displays of artwork and fascinating exhibits. Admission to the Getty Center and Museum is free. Parking is $15 or free after 5pm.
Getty.edu

#11 Newport Beach, Orange County - One of the wealthiest, cleanest, and most visited beach communities in the country. The area hosts many attractions like the Balboa Peninsula and the Orange Country Museum of Art as well as lots of beach access. There is also a famous Christmas Boat Parade held there each year.
Newport Beach Visitor Site
Newport Christmas Boat Parade

#10 Universal Studios Hollywood - Hollywood's number one attraction!
Universal Studios Hollywood Site

#9 Lake Tahoe - The largest freshwater lake of the Sierras. Also features some great ski resorts.
Lake Tahoe Visitor's Guide
Lake Tahoe Info

#8 Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles - Visit one of the country's most premiere theme parks with 16 major thrill rides including the Goliath with a 26 story drop and the Viper , with seven nail-biting inversions.
Park Website

#7 Death Valley National Park and Mt. Whitney - The lowest and highest spots in the contiguous 48 States!
Death Valley National Park Website
Mount Whitney Info

#6 Sea World, San Diego - Get up close to some of the world's most beautiful creatures.
Sea World Website

#5 Redwood National Park - Experience some of State's best hiking and camping among the world famous redwoods.
Park Site

#4 San Diego Zoo - See over 4,000 animals in one of the largest zoos in the world!
Zoo Website
Zoo Info

#3 Disneyland Resort and Theme Park - Can't visit Cali without a stop to Disney!
Disneyland Resort
Unofficial Disney Theme Park Guide

#2 San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge - A California Classic. From Lombard Street to the trolley cars, San Francisco is a must see!
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Site
San Fransisco Visitors Site

#1 Yosemite - The most amazing views in the world. Weeks of visiting in Yosemite couldn't unlock all the beauty and majesty displayed there. Far and away the number one place to visit in the great state of California!
Park Website
Yosemitepark.com

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