Tourist Attractions in California

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in California

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About California

California is an American state that stretches along the west coast. The ocean outlets and the border with Mexico give the territory additional tourist bonuses. Although even without them the state is full of amazing places for entertainment and travelling. The main cities in the region are Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

The state is also the birthplace of American cinema. Local studios open their doors to visitors and build theme parks based on their films. The best minds in the world of modern technology and software have settled in Silicon Valley. Sequoia National Park allows you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and admire huge trees that are over a hundred years old. Even the bridges and roads between the sights give a vivid impression and pleasure from the trip.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in California

Golden Gate Bridge

 4.8/5

72224 reviews

One of the most recognisable bridges in the world. Crosses the strait of the same name. Since its construction in 1937 and for almost 30 years it has been the largest suspension bridge. It is 2,737 metres long and the height of the carriageway above the water is 67 metres. It is accessible to motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. It has a total of 6 lanes and a width of 27.4 metres. Car owners will have to pay $6 to cross the bridge in the southbound direction.

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Alcatraz Island

 4.7/5

37499 reviews

It’s a small island in San Francisco Bay. In the past, a lighthouse and a fort were built here, and then the famous prison. To Alcatraz were transferred especially dangerous prisoners and those who tried to escape from other places of detention. In 1963 the prison was closed, and 10 years later it was turned into a tourist attraction. Visitors get to the island by ferry. The tour includes a tour of the cells and a story about the famous “inmates”.

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Hollywood

 0/5

Many film studios are located here, and many celebrities of the film world live here. The inscription “Hollywood” on the hills is a calling card not only of the neighbourhood, but also of the city. The local Walk of Fame has spawned a tradition of creating similar streets in other cities around the world. And the local Roosevelt Hotel hosted the first Oscar ceremony in 1929. It has now moved to the Dolby Theatre.

Silicon Valley

 0/5

Aka Silicon Valley. It began to take its present form and status in the middle of the last century. It is known all over the world because of densely located offices of high-tech companies. Companies related to computers, mobile devices, software are based here. Corporations try to make the buildings visible from the outside and modern inside. There are 4 universities in the valley.

Santa Monica Pier

 4.6/5

111471 reviews

It dates back to 1909. Since then, the pier has changed a lot. Its economic purpose has given way to entertainment. It is free to visit, and the area is always crowded. Each attraction is paid separately. Nearby there are many cafes, open sports grounds, a large car park. In summer, open-air films are played, concerts are arranged. Fishermen stand with fishing rods right on the pier.

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Fisherman's Wharf

 0/5

San Francisco’s Harbour District has long been a major calling card for the city. The Maritime National Historical Park, chocolate factory and cannery are all located nearby. Pier 39 is home to shops, cafes and attractions. People also come here to see the California sea lions. They feel at ease, are not afraid of people and put on a real show, begging for fish.

Lombard Street

 4.6/5

1356 reviews

Located in San Francisco. The serpentine road on one section of the street has 8 curved turns. To some extent, this smooths out the 27 per cent gradient of Mission Hill. This segment is one-way and subject to additional speed limits. It is 180 metres long. At the top there is a parking area for the cable tram, the city’s special public transport service.

Getty Center Drive

 4.7/5

7 reviews

The museum complex was created in Los Angeles by the foundation of oil tycoon Paul Getty. It has been in operation since 1997. It is located on the top of a hill, and you can go down by funicular railway. The basis of the museum collection are paintings by artists from Europe, dating back to the XX century and earlier periods. But it is not only the museum exhibits that are interesting in the centre. The buildings of the complex and the central garden are full-fledged attractions.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

 4.7/5

9415 reviews

It opened in 2003 and is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. It was named in honour of the famous cartoonist, as the money for the construction was provided by his family. The architect is Frank Owen Gehry, who pioneered the deconstructivist style. The auditorium seats more than 2,200 people. In addition to classical concerts, the venue hosts other events, including film premieres.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

USS Midway Museum

 4.8/5

43690 reviews

Located at the San Diego Navy Pier. The museum is based on the very first American heavy aircraft carrier. The complex is named after it. The territory has been open to tourists since 2004. On the site of the “USS Midway” several helicopters and aircraft of various purposes are exhibited. The ship has been used many times as a film set for TV shows and news programmes, as well as for broadcasting a basketball game.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Griffith Observatory

 4.7/5

12281 reviews

Built in 1935 in Los Angeles on the southern slope of the mountain. It is named after the patron of the arts whose money was used to build it. The view of the city centre opens from here. The first exhibit in the exhibition hall was a Foucault pendulum. The planetarium was renewed in 1964. The observatory has always been not only a scientific centre, but also a tourist attraction. Its primary purpose is to popularise science.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Hearst Castle

 4.6/5

10307 reviews

It is located about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The first buildings appeared on this piece of land in the second half of the century before last. Until the mid-20th century, the estate was rebuilt several times, and sometimes it was completely demolished to rebuild. Now Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark. The grounds include a cinema, swimming pools, courts and an airfield.

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Winchester Mystery House

 4.5/5

13574 reviews

Built in 1884 in San Jose. Remodelled many times until 1922. Sarah Winchester believed the house was haunted by the spirits of those killed by the rifles her family manufactured. She invested heavily in this Victorian style mansion. Sarah used her own designs for the construction without using any architects. The house currently has four floors, before the earthquake it had seven.

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California St & Polk St

 5/5

3 reviews

This unusual form of public transport has been open in the city since 1873. The hybrid of a tram and a funicular is included in the US Register of National Historic Places. The system is unprofitable, as it costs half as much to build other transport lines and keep them running. However, cable cars are the face and symbol of San Francisco, so they are modernised, improved and kept in business.

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

 4.8/5

12263 reviews

The world’s largest aerial tramway with rotating cabins. The journey lasts about 10 minutes and gives tourists the opportunity to see the valley from different angles. There is a station at the top point of the route. A couple of restaurants, an observation deck, a museum, a souvenir shop and two theatres are always open for visitors. From here, 50 miles of hiking trails branch off in different directions.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

17 Mile Drive

 0/5

The road is a gated community, owned by Pebble Beach, and non-residents must pay a toll of about $11 to pass. The track is laid out along the coast. Not only are there beaches and golf courses around, but also mansions. These places attract not only ordinary tourists but also artists with their views. The lone cypress is a symbol of the road. There is an ongoing debate over the rights to its image.

California 1

 0/5

It runs mainly along the coast and stretches for more than 400 kilometres. The road is dual carriageway most of the way. Fog descends in the morning hours. There are small settlements along the route. A local attraction is an extinct volcano 177 metres high. Tourists usually stop at roadside shops and beaches in hot weather. There are convenient exits for this purpose.

La Jolla Cove

 4.8/5

3088 reviews

A small bay with a clean beach surrounded by rocky ledges. It is part of a marine reserve. The underwater world in the vicinity is rich. For this reason it is crowded: divers and swimmers occupy the shore. They are especially interested in the nearby caves. Services and infrastructure are just above the bay itself. There are other beaches nearby, such as Children’s Pool Beach, which is suitable for children because of its breakwater.

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Cabrillo National Monument

 4.8/5

11235 reviews

Located 10 kilometres from San Diego. It was erected in 1939, designed by the Portuguese Alvaro de Bree. The monument is dedicated to the discoverer of these territories Juan Cabrillo. He first sailed here in 1542. A small museum was built nearby. The complex stands on a hill, not far from the coast, so there are spectacular views from here. One of the features is the migration of grey whales.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Yosemite National Park

 4.8/5

45921 reviews

It extends over 300 thousand hectares. It was formed in its present borders by 1890. The territory is rich in different reliefs and natural features. Waterfalls, rocky ledges, picturesque valleys, giant sequoias and even the glacier-carved Half Dome – all this can be found in the national park. The mountain slopes are lined with trails for climbers. They are suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Sequoia National Park

 4.8/5

13980 reviews

It was founded in 1890. It occupies an area of 163 thousand hectares. Later it also became a biosphere reserve. The territory can be travelled only on foot, picnic sites are organised. There is a hotel and a museum near the administrative building. Among the exhibits is a scale of heights, which shows what the huge sequoias are comparable to. For example, they are taller than a rocket and the Statue of Liberty. The souvenir shop also sells tree sprouts.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Death Valley

 0/5

The intermountain depression extends over 3.3 million acres. In 1913, the highest temperature on the planet was recorded here – +56.7 °C (+56.7 °F). The desert areas got their name during the “gold rush” period. Settlers tried to take a shortcut across these vast expanses, and not all of them reached their destination. The area is known for the huge boulders that periodically move, leaving traces on the ground.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

 4.8/5

8775 reviews

Located on the coast. These lands were considered not too comfortable for living and were sold to the private property of A. Alan. In 1933 the territory of the reserve was transferred to the state. The main attraction is the groves of cypress trees. Some trees are hundreds of years old. In autumn and winter, the area offers views of whale migration routes. The reserve has had its current protected status since the 1970s.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

 4.7/5

36964 reviews

One of the largest aquariums in the world opened in Monterey in 1984. It contains more than 600 species. Temporary exhibitions showcase marine animals that can be found in other countries, but also focus on specific subgroups, such as sharks and deep-sea dwellers. The Oceanarium is developed also by donations. It has an institute for marine research.

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Disneyland Park

 4.6/5

113794 reviews

The first of Disney’s theme parks. It opened in 1955 and has changed many times. Additional thematic zones appeared with the release of new animated and game films. The area of the park is about 200 hectares. In total there are more than 55 large rides. The territory has its own transport systems. The park has different types of tickets, including VIP service.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

 4.6/5

148554 reviews

The amusement park of the film studio of the same name. Guests were allowed to visit the production areas almost immediately after Universal opened in 1915. Since 1964, a full-fledged sightseeing tour began to be conducted. In the same period, the first attractions associated with the studio’s films were formalised. Particularly popular are “The Magical World of Harry Potter” and a new format: a ride in the style of “Jurassic World”.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Balboa Park

 4.8/5

70843 reviews

Named in honour of the maritime explorer Nuñez de Balboa. The area is recognised as a National Historic Landmark. The area is approximately 1,200 acres. The park has a mirror pond with fish, fountains, a zoo, an indoor greenhouse, several theatres and museums. Landscaping is combined with small buildings built in different styles. Picnic and walking places are organised.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

San Diego Zoo

 4.7/5

53973 reviews

It opened in 1916. It was preceded by the large Panama-California Exposition. The area is approximately 40 hectares. The number of inhabitants is over 3,700. They represent approximately 650 species. A distinctive feature is the presence of a collection of plants. Bamboo is grown for feeding pandas, and eucalyptus for koalas. The zoo can be viewed from a mini-bus or from a bird’s-eye view from the suspended gondolas.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Napa County

 0/5

The main area of American wine tourism. It has existed in its present form since 1981, although winemaking has been practised here since the XIX century. The excursion to the valley is accompanied by a visit to vineyards, observation of production processes, tasting. If you wish, you can buy a few bottles of your favourite wine, order delivery or even conclude a large contract for delivery right on the spot.

Coronado Beach

 4.8/5

1477 reviews

Ranked among the best beaches in the USA, it is located in San Diego. It is about 2.5 km long and up to 150 metres wide. The entire coastal strip is covered with clean, snow-white and fine sand. Entrance to the territory costs $10. The services include the use of changing cabins, bio-toilets, deck chairs, a large car park. There is a tower of lifeguards. Nearby there are many cafes, restaurants and clubs.

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