California is a state packed with adventure, natural beauty and unique places that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
From iconic beaches to towering mountains and magical forests, this ultimate California bucket list will take you through the best experiences the Golden State has to offer.
Get ready to explore jaw-dropping views, fascinating history and unforgettable adventures that should be on every traveler’s list.
There really is something for everyone.
Let’s jump into the 40 must-do experiences in California before you die!
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures
1. Explore Yosemite National Park
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is famous for its breathtaking granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, and the towering Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
This stunning park, covering nearly 1,200 square miles, also offers jaw-dropping views of the Yosemite Valley.
It’s a great place to enjoy nature with its hiking trails, scenic viewpoints like Glacier Point and the chance to spot black bears and bobcats in their natural habitat.
2. See Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta, a towering 14,179-foot volcano in Northern California, is famous for its stunning snow-capped peak, crystal-clear mountain lakes and enchanting evergreen forests.
Known for its mystical vibes and powerful energy, this potentially active volcano draws explorers year-round, who come for adventures like climbing its summit, visiting hidden lava tubes or just soaking in the natural beauty.
3. Marvel at Death Valley’s Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park is an otherworldly salt flat that sits at 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America!
This vast, white expanse of salt crust stretches as far as the eye can see and is surrounded by dramatic desert mountains.
4. Hike Mount Whitney
At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the continental United States and a bucket-list destination for many hikers and climbers.
Located in the Sierra Nevada, this challenging trail offers spectacular views, high-altitude adventure and the thrill of standing on the literal rooftop of California.
5. See Towering Redwoods in Redwood National & State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks, located along Northern California’s rugged coast, are home to some of the tallest trees on earth, with ancient redwoods towering over 300 feet.
Walking through these lush forests feels like stepping into a prehistoric world, with misty trails, fern-covered ground and sunlight filtering through the dense canopy.
6. See Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay, a dazzling blue-green bay on Lake Tahoe’s southwestern shore, is famous for its scenic beauty, crystal-clear waters and the charming Fannette Island at its center.
Surrounded by forested mountains and granite cliffs, this spot offers unbeatable views, and you can enjoy kayaking, boating or hiking trails with panoramic vistas of the lake and beyond.
7. See Burney Falls
Located in Northern California’s McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney Falls is a breathtaking 129-foot waterfall that seems to come straight out of a fairytale.
Water flows from both the top and through the rocks, creating a magical “veil” effect.
This place was even described as the “eighth wonder of the world” by President Theodore Roosevelt!
8. Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geothermal wonderland filled with bubbling hot springs, steaming fumaroles and the impressive Lassen Peak, an active volcano.
You can hike through colorful hydrothermal areas like Bumpass Hell, explore crystal-clear lakes and see firsthand the powerful forces that shaped this unique and active volcanic landscape.
9. See McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that, during high tide, drops directly into the Pacific Ocean and is one of California’s most stunning coastal sights.
Viewable from an overlook along Big Sur, this waterfall flows year-round, creating a dreamy view of turquoise waters, golden sands and rugged cliffs that feels like a hidden paradise.
10. Explore Joshua Tree National Park
Located in SoCal where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique, twisted Joshua trees, massive boulders and otherworldly landscape.
People come to climb the giant rock formations, explore the desert and gaze up at the incredible night sky, as Joshua Tree is one of the best places for stargazing in California.
11. See Wildflower Blooms in the Antelope Valley
Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve bursts into color with vibrant orange poppies, purple lupines and golden wildflowers that blanket the rolling hills.
This stunning display, located in the Mojave Desert near Lancaster, creates an unbelievable landscape of color and is the perfect spot to experience California’s state flower in all its glory.
12. Hike at Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park, just north of San Francisco, offers breathtaking hiking trails with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay and rolling green hills.
Known for its diverse landscapes, from redwood groves to coastal shrubs, “Mount Tam” is a must-see, offering unforgettable scenery from peaks like East Peak and trails like the Dipsea.
13. Soak in Hot Springs near Mammoth Lakes
The Mammoth Lakes area is home to natural hot springs like Wild Willy’s and Hot Creek, where you can soak in soothing, warm mineral waters surrounded by stunning mountain views.
These hidden geothermal gems, situated in the Eastern Sierra, offer a mix of relaxation and adventure in an unforgettable natural setting.
14. Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their awe-inspiring giant sequoia trees, including the world-famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume.
These neighboring parks also offer dramatic canyons, alpine lakes and rugged trails, giving you a chance to explore some of California’s most incredible wilderness.
15. Explore Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park in Southern California’s Mojave Desert is a landscape of striking red cliffs and rugged rock formations, shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion.
Known for its vivid scenery and unique geology, this park offers fantastic hiking, fossil exploration and photography opportunities against a backdrop that looks like something from another planet.
16. Explore the Trona Pinnacles
The Trona Pinnacles, located in the Searles Valley near Ridgecrest, are an otherworldly collection of over 500 tufa spires that rise from the desert floor.
Formed thousands of years ago in what was once an ancient lake, these bizarre rock formations create an eerie, lunar-like landscape perfect for exploring, stargazing and photography.
Beaches and Scenic Coastal Drives
17. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of America’s most scenic drives, winding along California’s dramatic coastline from Orange County to Mendocino County.
This iconic route offers breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, charming beach towns and stops like Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge and Malibu, making it the ultimate California road trip.
18. Cruise around San Francisco Bay
A cruise around San Francisco Bay offers stunning views of the city skyline, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and historic Alcatraz Island.
Whether you’re on a sailboat, ferry or private yacht, this scenic adventure gives you a fresh perspective of the bay’s landmarks and a chance to experience the cool sea breeze.
19. Relax in Santa Barbara
Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a charming coastal town with Mediterranean-style architecture, beautiful sandy beaches and scenic mountain backdrops.
Spend the day lounging on the beach, exploring the downtown shops and wine tasting rooms, or visiting the historic Santa Barbara Mission.
20. Spend the Day at Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, with its crystal-clear waters, hidden coves and vibrant arts scene, is a perfect seaside escape in Orange County.
You can explore tide pools, browse local art galleries, relax on stunning beaches like Main Beach and Thousand Steps Beach, and catch an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific.
21. Stroll Around Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, storybook village on California’s Central Coast known for its fairytale cottages, art galleries and dog-friendly beaches.
As you wander through its flower-lined streets, you’ll discover unique shops, cozy cafés and hidden courtyards, all with a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean just steps away.
22. Admire Glass Beach in Fort Bragg
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is famous for its colorful sea glass pebbles, remnants of a former dumping site that have been polished smooth by the ocean over decades.
This unique beach sparkles with pieces of blue, green and amber glass, creating a one-of-a-kind experience along the rugged Northern California coast.
Tip: Many people say there isn’t any glass left on Glass Beach due to people illegally taking it over the years but those people are in the wrong place! In this guide, we cover exactly where you can still see tons of beautiful sea glass on Glass Beach.
23. Catch Sunset at Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore, with its rugged cliffs, sweeping coastal views and iconic lighthouse, is one of the best spots to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
As the sky fills with vibrant colors, you can experience the beauty of unspoiled beaches, roaming wildlife and dramatic waves crashing against the cliffs.
Iconic California Experiences
24. Ride a Cable Car in San Francisco
Riding a classic San Francisco cable car is an iconic way to experience the city’s steep hills, historic neighborhoods and famous sights like Chinatown, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
As you hop on and hold tight, you can enjoy an old-fashioned ride with incredible views of the bay and the city’s unique architecture.
25. See the Hollywood Sign Up Close
The Hollywood Sign, which is perched on the hills of Los Angeles, is an iconic landmark that is known worldwide.
Hike along trails like the Mt. Hollywood or Brush Canyon trails in Griffith Park for breathtaking panoramas of the sign, the city skyline and the vast Los Angeles basin.
26. Take a Studio Tour in Hollywood
A studio tour in Hollywood gives you a behind-the-scenes look at where movie magic happens, from famous sets and sound stages to iconic props and costumes.
Tours like those at Warner Bros., Universal Studios or Paramount Pictures bring you face-to-face with the history of Hollywood.
27. Experience Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
Disneyland Resort, a.k.a the “Happiest Place on Earth,” is a must for anyone looking to experience Disney’s magic, from thrilling rides like Space Mountain to meeting beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie.
With two theme parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, plus enchanting parades, fireworks and shows, it’s a day full of wonder and unforgettable memories.
28. Explore the State Capital, Sacramento
Sacramento, California’s historic state capital, is a lively city rich in Gold Rush history, tree-lined streets, and vibrant arts and food scenes.
Visit the majestic California State Capitol building, stroll through Old Sacramento’s riverside wooden sidewalks, and explore the many museums, shops, and farm-to-fork restaurants.
Historic and Cultural Attractions
29. Visit Alcatraz Island
At Alcatraz Island, you can take an eerie but fascinating tour of the former maximum-security prison that once held notorious criminals like Al Capone.
Located in San Francisco Bay, this historic island provides a look into the prison’s history, with guided audio tours of the cell blocks and incredible views of the bay and city skyline.
30. Take a Tour of Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle, perched high on a hilltop near San Simeon, is a lavish estate built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, featuring grand rooms, stunning art collections and ornate swimming pools.
A guided tour of this California treasure reveals its opulent architecture, breathtaking coastal views and fascinating stories of Hollywood’s elite who once visited this glamorous mansion.
31. Explore the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose
The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling, maze-like mansion filled with quirky architectural features like staircases to nowhere, doors that open onto walls and windows built into floors.
Built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, this eerie estate is a fascinating—and possibly haunted—attraction full of mysterious twists and turns.
32. Go Back in Time at Bodie Ghost Town
Bodie State Historic Park preserves a once-bustling Gold Rush town now frozen in time, with abandoned buildings, old artifacts and dusty streets.
Located in the Eastern Sierra, this ghost town lets you wander through history, exploring saloons, homes and shops left exactly as they were when Bodie was deserted over a century ago.
33. Explore Palm Springs and Its Mid-Century Architecture
Palm Springs is famous for its retro-chic vibe, sunny weather and iconic mid-century modern architecture.
Take a self-guided tour of the city’s pastel-colored buildings, geometric homes and stylish resorts, or just relax by the pool under the palm trees.
34. Wander Through Balboa Park in San Diego
Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural oasis, filled with stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, lush gardens and world-class museums, including the famous San Diego Zoo.
This 1,200-acre park offers something for everyone, from art galleries and botanical gardens to peaceful walking paths and historic fountains, making it a perfect all-day adventure.
Unique Road Trips and Small Towns
35. Take a Road Trip Along Highway 395
Highway 395, stretching through California’s Eastern Sierra, is a scenic road trip route with jaw-dropping views of towering mountains, alpine lakes and historic small towns.
Highlights along this route include stops at Mono Lake’s eerie tufa towers, the ghost town of Bodie, and the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes.
It’s an unforgettable journey through some of California’s most beautiful landscapes.
36. Discover the Art Installations of Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain is a colorful, hand-painted desert hillside near Slab City, covered in vibrant murals, Bible verses and symbols of love created by artist Leonard Knight.
Made from adobe, straw and thousands of gallons of paint, this unique landmark is a beacon of creativity and self-expression in the California desert.
37. Drive through Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic 31-mile drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where towering, ancient redwoods—some over 300 feet tall—line the road in a breathtaking natural corridor.
This iconic route winds through some of the most majestic old-growth redwood forests in California, offering plenty of places to stop, hike and even picnic among these giants.
38. Stroll Through Solvang
Solvang, known as California’s Danish village, charms anyone who visits with its European-style architecture, windmills and delightful Danish bakeries.
Take a leisurely stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets to discover cozy cafés, wine-tasting rooms and unique shops, all set against a backdrop that feels like a slice of Denmark in the heart of California.
39. Go Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is California’s premier wine region, known for its picturesque vineyards, award-winning wineries and scenic rolling hills.
Spend the day sampling world-class wines, touring beautiful estates and enjoying gourmet food pairings, all while soaking in the idyllic vineyard views.
40. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Temecula
A hot air balloon ride over Temecula Valley offers a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of Southern California wine country, with endless vineyards, rolling hills and distant mountain ranges.
Drift peacefully above the landscape as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the valley and creating an unforgettable, picture-perfect experience in one of California’s best wine regions.
