The Best Sightseeing in California

Exciting and Diverse Sightseeing Opportunities Across California

Of the 41 states I have visited, California has been the most diverse and interesting. In Northern California, you can travel to extinct lava fields and volcanoes at Lassen National Park, while being near the famous Redwood forests and the splendor of Yosemite. A day trip south, the climate will change entirely into inland desert, palm trees, and the suburban sprawl of the Los Angeles and San Diego area. For sightseeing experiences, you can't get much better than California in the United States.

There are also some lesser known gems that are worth exploring on your own, like Lassen Volcanic National Park, Kings Canyon and Sequoia (these two parks are massive!), and the spectacular Point Reyes National Seashore. Scroll down for some recommendations on what to see on your trip!

Northern California Sightseeing

Attractions, parks, and things to do in Northern Cali

Banner Peak and Thousand Island Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness area of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

Northern California is almost like a seperate state than Southern California. The vibe is entirely different, and it looks entirely different. The scenery changes from palm trees to pines as you head further north, with pristine beaches evolving into jagged cliffs and scenic outlooks.

California's National Parks

Southern California Sightseeing

L.A., Santa Barbara, San Diego, Palm Springs and Inland Empire

Southern California, or So Cal, is one of the most heavily populated areas of the United States, and contains some of the most visited sightseeing areas in the country. The majority of Southern California is dry desert land, with two major cities along the coast. San Diego and Los Angeles are separated only by only 121 driving miles, and boast huge attractions like Disneyland, Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, Santa Monica and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Swaying desert palms in Southern California.

San Francisco and the Bay Area

Things to do and see

The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, Photographed by Kevin Connors.

San Francisco and the Bay Area sits on the Pacific Ocean, with several bays and inlets nestled alongside beautiful coastal towns and cities. Two famous bridges, the Oakland Bay Bridge, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, span the San Francisco Bay. To the north, the rugged coastline of Point Reyes National Seashore sits atop the San Andreas Fault, connected by a thin piece of land. Across the Golden Gate, you'll find the communities of Sausalito and Vallejo. To the east of San Francisco lies the city of Oakland and the world's largest wind farm in Livermore, while further south is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.