10 Must-Go Places In California – An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Guide
When you think California, you think beaches, mountains, lakes, deserts, etc. The best part is, there is a wide range of things to see and do, and the landscape is so diverse. It is truly paradise for nature lovers, since California has the most national parks than any state in USA.
Although I have never thought of myself as someone who would go camping, the camping and outdoors culture is so strong here, and the availability of campsites everywhere makes it so easy to camp as a beginner. In addition, living in Los Angeles allowed me easy access to these places, be it a weekend trip, or an extended road trip during spring break.
After experiencing different things during my time in California, I would like to recommend the places that have left a lasting impression on me. Do also check out how you can combine most of these places in an epic 10-day California road trip in this article.
Southern California
1. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is known for its funky rock formations which are fun to climb, and vast desert landscapes. Be sure to stay for the sunset and if you are up for it, the sunrise.
Cholla Cactus Garden is known as a good place for photography for both sunrise and sunset, because the thin bristles on the cactus look feathery and glow during the golden hour. Keys View faces the west, and also Coachella Valley, and this overlook is perfect for sunset since it is a short 20 min round trip. In Hidden Valley, there are many large boulders of rocks that attract both adult and children, and time flies when you are trying to climb as high as you can to get a better view.
As for accommodation, we stayed in a starstream trailer that we rented on Airbnb just outside the park. I recommend either the unique experience of renting an RV/trailer or camping in one of the many campgrounds in the park.
Last but not least, Joshua Tree has been certified the 10th International Dark Sky Park in the U.S. National Park system. It is a great place to be at on moonless nights, and if it is summer time, head out to see our Milky Way Galaxy streak across the night sky.
2. Catalina Island
A short 1 hour ferry ride away, you find a piece of paradise. You could also take a 15 min helicopter ride. Here are more details about getting to Catalina Island.
Perhaps you might have heard of the Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT), which stretches from one end of the island to another. The shortest and most scenic part of the TCT is between Two Harbors and Little Harbor, which can be done in 3-4 hours. If you have 2 days, hike to Little Harbor campground to enjoy the beach and beautiful sunset (campsite faces west), and hike back to Two Harbors the next day.
You might encounter some wildlife – bison, foxes, rattlesnakes, etc. but we did not find any when we were there. It is truly a relaxing place and I highly recommend a weekend trip to Catalina Island to unwind.
Central California Coast
3. San Luis Obispo
This whole area is full of hills and cliffs, and beautiful seaside vacation homes. In spring, look out for wildflower blooms even while driving. Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and Montana de Oro State Park are great options for seeing the central coast of California. In Montana de Oro, you could hike the bluff trail, enjoying close-up views of the ocean, and try spotting marine life in tide pools between the rocks. If you pass by Pismo Beach, I highly recommend Splash Cafe for famous clam chowder and seafood type fast food, and Old West Cinnamon Rolls for dessert.
4. Big Sur
How could we forget an iconic part of California? This scenic stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway makes it one of the the most recommended places, and there are so many different state parks in this region. This could be part of the drive down from San Francisco, or you could spend a night camping in the redwood forests. Check out this itinerary for how to plan your next Big Sur road trip.
The dramatic views of the coast, various beaches along this region (Pfeiffer Beach, Sand Dollar Beach, etc.), the hot springs, and the hiking make this place so popular, even among locals. Be sure to stop by the famous McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge during your visit to Big Sur.
5. Monterey
Monterey is a coastal city that places great emphasis on marine conservation, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is worth visiting. From around the pier, you can even spot sea lions perched on top of rocks. There are many food options and things to do, such as whale watching tours during migration season.
It is a really relaxing place to be at, where you just enjoy the wharf and the buzz of activities around you, before watching the sunset as dinner is served. Check out this article for more amazing things to do in Monterey.
There’s also the amazing Carmel-by-the-Sea nearby that makes for a convenient stop, and also has lots to see and do. Since these towns are near Big Sur, it’ll be fun to spend 3 days to road trip around this part of the coast.
Northern California
6. Point Reyes National Seashore
Fun fact: Point Reyes is part of another tectonic plate, separated from the Marin County by the San Andreas fault. It has moved from southern California, and is slowly but continuously still moving.
It is an untouched peninsula that is teeming with wildlife – elks, deers, elephant seals (winter months), etc. Whale watching is also a popular activity near the Point Reyes Lighthouse during winter months as Gray Whales migrate north to Alaska.
In my opinion, Point Reyes is one of the best places in Northern California for winter camping. Coast camp is 200m away from the beach, and we enjoyed the sunset from the empty beach. There are a lot of hiking options, and you can even walk the San Andreas fault trail, great for learning about geology of the place too.
There’s so much to do because Point Reyes is such a big place, and anywhere you look you will find a peaceful and scenic view. Check out more ideas for things to do in Point Reyes in this article.
7. San Francisco
This place is probably already on your list of places to visit. The Lands End Trail is perfect for a leisurely evening walk, and while you are there, why not watch the sunset against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge? In fact, you can rent a bicycle and cycle across the bridge instead of driving (tolls required), and enjoy a good dinner in the town of Sausalito, or continue up to Marin Headlands for a panoramic view of the bay.
Read more: The Best Places To Stay In San Francisco For Safety
Sierra Nevada Mountains
8. Sequoia National Park
This park is known for its huge Sequoia trees, and most people stop by the General Sherman Tree. You will also find Tunnel Log, a toppled tree on one of the roads and it has been cut out to allow cars to pass through.
A day trip is perfect for a short hike up Moro Rock to get a sweeping view of the landscape. The smell of trees and pine is so delightful, it makes you relax instantly. Winter in Sequoia National Park is also a great experience as the trees look magical covered in snow.
9. Yosemite National Park
Oh the famous granite rock structures that are on many laptop screens. This place is most likely already on your list. Here are more reasons to get pumped!
1) Many hiking trails with great views
2) A ton of camping options in the park, wake up to sunrise and high cliffs surrounding the valley
3) Views from the car are amazing everywhere
I would recommend camping in the park to avoid driving 40 min in and out of the park everyday, and spend about 3 days there since the park is so big with so many hiking options. If you only have 2 days, check out this 2-day Yosemite itinerary that will help you make the most of the time you have. Otherwise, here’s a suggested day trip itinerary.
In winter months, I recommend these hikes for great views: Mirror Lake (1h), Upper Falls (6-8h), Mist Trail to Vernal Falls footbridge (1h). I also have a winter itinerary to help you plan a fun day in Yosemite. If I were there in summer, I would go to Glacier Point, Half Dome, and venture outside of the valley.
10. Lake Tahoe
Many people head north to Lake Tahoe after visiting Yosemite, attracted by the beautiful alpine lakes and skiing in the winter. The lake is split into 2 main regions – north and south. Summer and fall are the best times to go camping in Lake Tahoe as the campgrounds would be open.
Check out our 2-day Lake Tahoe itinerary that takes you along a drive down the east side of Lake Tahoe, with camping and hiking experiences you should not miss. This region also has some hot springs you can enjoy year round, and winter activities that go beyond skiing.
In winter months up to March/April, snowshoeing trails are perfect for going off defined paths (hiking would be difficult because of deep snow), and there are plenty of snowshoe rentals. For those who just want a change of environment to chill, imagine sipping a cup of hot tea by the fireplace in a vacation cabin, watching the snow fall outside and enjoying friends and family. Many accommodation options also offer guests a hot tub.
These are my top 10 favorites in California! Let me know which are yours and also anything that are worth mentioning that I have missed out.
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