5 Star Places To Visit in California, United States (50)
5.0USS Midway Museum(25.4k reviews)from $31.00 - Discover the Fascinating World of the USS Midway Museum Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway. Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Visiting Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in San Diego, known around the world as "Navy Town, USA."See more..
5.0The Getty Center(14.7k reviews) - Not to be missed! Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
The Getty Center in Los Angeles is an astounding place to spend a day marveling at world-class art and relaxing in beautifully manicured gardens. Take the tram up to this lavish postmodern complex, which houses a sprawling museum featuring masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne. You can also enjoy superb views of the city from the Cactus Garden, and savor a delicious contemporary menu at the center's restaurant. You can visit the complex for free, though there is a parking fee. To skip the lines, book a museum tour to delve deeper into the art with the help of a knowledgeable guide. – TripadvisorSee more..
5.0Point Lobos(4.847 reviews) - Worth it to spend a few hours and get great photos! Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
Home to a rich marine habitat, this nature reserve is popular for both whale-watching (in winter) and spotting sea lions (all year round). With amazing natural landscapes, it's great for hiking along the ocean or simply strolling around and taking in the magnificent rocky coastline lined with rare Monterey cypress trees. If you’re into water activities, go kayaking or even scuba diving among 70-foot-high kelp forests and diverse marine life. Parking spaces are limited, so get there in the early morning to grab a spot. Otherwise, sign up for a guided tour that will take you straight into the reserve. – TripadvisorSee more..
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see Southern California tourist attraction. Walk onboard Air Force One, act in a movie with Ronald Reagan, touch a piece of the Berlin Wall, and so much more.See more..
As soon as you exit from the tunnel (if you are coming via Route 41), you will arrive at Vista Point. Turn in there, park your car, walk a few steps, and be blessed with a flabbergasting view of the three iconic sites of Yosemite Valley – El Capitan, Bridal veil Falls and Half Dome. The stunning vista of granite and the deep valley below with all the trees just gives you a sense of the immense size of the park. There is a small wall where you can sit and take some great photos. The place is a little crowded, but people are in and out of the small parking lot fairly quickly after getting a quick photo. Worth a short stop just to take in that beauty. On your return home, if you are able to catch the sunset rays, you will see the granite glow red, and look as if it is on fire. That is Amazing!See more..
5.0California State Railroad Museum(2.794 reviews) - Something enjoyable for all ages Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Come along for the ride. Stand in the shadow of a 150-year-old, 40-ton monument to innovation, engineering and history. Take a ride along the rails that played a key role in the development of the Golden State. See the history of the California railways come to life in engaging exhibits. A visit to the California State Railroad Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience for persons of all ages.See more..
5.0Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks(2.732 reviews) - Three generations of fun! Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
We were 3 generations in our family, ages 7, 38 and 74. We all went on all the courses. It was totally safe. It was still very thrilling. It was so much fun and given that you can be on the courses for 2.5 hours it was a fantastic bargain. They limit the number of people in a way that you are never waiting in lines. The employees are very professional and do a good job of explaining what to expect, how to deal with any issues that might come up and how to have the most fun. We really loved this experience and we recommend it to anyone visiting Tahoe. It should be at the top of your list of things to do.See more..
A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London.See more..
5.0Dante's View(2.284 reviews) - Gorgeous View of Death Valley Lookouts
My husband and I visited Dante's View midday in October. The road to this viewpoint winds through the desert (be careful for those who get motion sick) and ends at a parking lot where you can appreciate the view and learn a bit about the area. This viewpoint is absolutely gorgeous and gives you a 360 degree overview of how massive this park is. I would imagine it's a great place to stargaze as well. General park info: Death Valley National Park's entrance fee is included in the America the Beautiful Pass, which I highly recommend. Check for closures but beware that the info might not be accurate. On the day we went, there was info about some construction but the park website didn't mention they would be closing a road in the middle of the park, cutting off our ability to see much of what we wanted to see for 2 hours (which would have put us after sunset). Overall, I would definitely add Dante's View to your "must-see in Death Valley" list.See more..
5.0Marin Headlands(1.891 reviews) - Best Vantage point to View the Golden Gate Bridge State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Located at the Point Bonita Lighthouse, these headlands offer a suspension bridge and hiking trail.See more..
5.0Stanford University(1.732 reviews) - Auguste Rodin’s sculptures and much more Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Universities & Schools
Breeding ground for Silicon Valley businesses. The founders of Hewlett Packard, Yahoo!, and Sun Microsystems all passed through the doors of this institution.See more..
5.0Giant Forest(1.722 reviews) - The Biggest Grove and the Biggest Trees Forests
5.0Blue Ocean Whale Watch(1.596 reviews) - Best Whale Watching in Monterey!!! Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching
My wife and I sent on a Sunday morning 4-hour reduced capacity tour. The boat was not crowded as a result. We had a calm day out on the water, and saw TONS of whales (no pun intended). Captain Kate is either a Whale Whisperer, a whale magnet, or both, as the whales seem to come to her, and she knows where to go to see them, mostly getting there first before a lot of other boats from other companies arrive. The whole crew are marine biologists, very knowledgeable and friendly. During our day we watched a group of 10 or more humpbacks lunch feeding for over an hour, then followed two different pair of mother/calf humpbacks with more lunging, fluke slapping, and even saw the baby whale breach! Other assorted sea life included coastal bottlenose dolphins and a juvenile white shark.See more..
The cemetary is so calm, peaceful and beautiful. Row after row with white crosses in perfect ordning. When you walk along the lines of graves, and read on the headstones it affects you, deap. There are so many graves: 101, 079 amd all of them were just regular persons, who left everything at home and went to war. I'm not from the us but even I can feel the significant impact that holy place has. It's really beautiful when the sun sets, to look at all the graves, wondering who they were, what were they like. I definately recommend spending a few hours there and pay respect to those who are not with us today. We had bougt a bouquet of flowers that we lay on some of the graves. We always go up there late afternoom whn the is still up but has started to go down.See more..
5.0Lions, Tigers & Bears(1.429 reviews) - Fantastic place just on the outskirts of San Diego Nature & Wildlife Areas
What an absolutely wonderful place! I highly recommend taking a visit out to Alpine to see all of the wonderful staff and animals over at Lions, Tigers and Bears!! I did this for my birthday and ended up leaving with an annual membership so I could go back anytime I wanted! They have many affordable options as well as a few ways to splurge if you're looking for a more personal tour with the animals. The facility is an immaculate, well kept wonderland that any rescued kitty or cub would be lucky to find their furever home at. The staff is devoted to ensuring that these animals have the best life possible after the circumstances that brought them to be rescued and it shows. Such a great place, thank you to everyone for all of your hard work to keep it going!!See more..
Challenging, popular rock to climb in Yosemite.See more..
5.0Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens(1.347 reviews) - Flowers and more! Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers. With manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, native flora and habitats, fern-covered canyons, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and conifers, heaths, heathers, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue ocean, the garden is a jewel on the Pacific Coast. Your visit is a show of support for our non-profit botanical garden and its mission!See more..
We visited today and we absolutely loved it. Parking can be tough, but we got lucky. Parking meters charge 2.50 per hour and the maximum stay time is 4 hours. I love the clean sandy beaches with spectacular views. This park is a slice of heaven. The picnic areas with tables are all closed off due to Covid 19, but there are some benches to sit on. None in the shade though! If you bring your own shade and chairs, you can sit in grass or on the beach. Make sure to take sunscreen with you. I will definitely return although it is a long way from home.See more..
5.0Norton Simon Museum(1.257 reviews) - A world tour of art in one day Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums
The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Modern and Contemporary Art from Europe and the United States, acquired by the former Pasadena Art Museum, also occupies an important place in the Museum’s collections.See more..
The park works hard to make the trees accessible to folks with a wide variety of abilities. Several handicapped trails, pullovers for views and trees, paved trails with plenty of benches. The trees themselves are like sculptural pieces...weathered by time and fire, twisted, scarred and beautiful. They moved me in a way I was not anticipating. The obvious fire damage somehow makes the visit more soulful. Visiting after Labor day, midweek, no trouble finding parking. Bathrooms available at popular spots, trails clean well maintained. Plenty of information online or in handouts to plan your visit. Trails get busier/more crowded in late morning and early afternoonSee more..
5.0Tioga Pass(1.177 reviews) - Grand Sights Scenic Drives
Dramatic drive starting at elevation 6,100 feet outside of Yosemite Valley and finishing 47 miles later atop Tioga Pass.See more..
5.0Redwood National Park(1.158 reviews) - Amazing 2 day trip State Parks • National Parks • Hiking Trails
This massive natural reservation, located on the scenic coastline of Northern California, consists of nearly 140,000 acres of stunning redwood rainforest. It's a must-visit spot for nature lovers who enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking. There are multiple trails to explore the park's many wonders, from its majestic sequoias and towering Douglas firs to the stunning Lady Bird Johnson Grove. You might even spot wildlife like the majestic Roosevelt elk and the colorful banana slug. The best time to visit is in summer—make sure to pack layers as it can get chilly. Admission to the park is free, but the three state parks within the park charge a day-use fee. – TripadvisorSee more..
5.0Asilomar State Beach(1.060 reviews) - Absolutely beautiful beach State Parks • Beaches
The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.See more..
5.0Mist Trail(1.042 reviews) - There is water on the way up Hiking Trails
Eminently accessible and popular, the Mist Trail takes hikers through Yosemite National Park to Vernal Fall Bridge, the best place to watch the waterfall.See more..
5.0VJB Cellars(1.022 reviews) - FANTASTIC WEBINAR ON MEETING STAFF AND TASTING WINE Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
The staff was great, personable, informative, friendly and efficient. Everyone seemed to enjoy their job and were all totally engaged. There was a storm coming in so the water was "rough" but our captain maneuvered through the water easily. Personally I thoroughly enjoyed our ocean rollercoaster ride! Unfortunately the staff had to take care of quite a few seasick people but did so professionally. The additional $20/person charge for going up top is well worth the cost. From the top deck you can sit comfortably on a bench or navigate easily to either side when whales or dolphins choose to make an appearance. And appear they did! I also feel it's important to note that the boat was maintained beautifully! This is an adventure I hope to do again and the Sea Goddess will again be our first choice!See more..
There are different entrances to this place, but either way it is very easy to get here. Essentially, it's just a highway exit, a beautiful one. As you drive through, you will encounter some shops and the world famous shrine drive through tree, a small sort of garden surrounded by tall Redwoods and a hollow Redwood which you can drive through it if you have a small vehicle. My tundra was too big. $10 will get you in. The Avenue of the Giants is an immersive, impressive, and scenic drive that takes you back through time. This is for sure a must if you are in the area. It loops around so don't worry about getting lost. Luckily, we had the road to ourselves and took some impressive drone footage and photos. The tall trees alongside the road like an ancient natural wall, provides an amazing veiw every inch you drive. Follow me and my adventures ig: Sin_Aguayo_Canelito See more..
June 2, 2022 - Enjoyed another great day of diving with my friends on Spectre Dive Boat, based in Ventura, CA. Overcast "June Gloom" sky is the norm for this time of year, but ocean was calm all day and water was clear blue at all three dive sites. Highly recommend the Thursday dive trip as there were less than a full load of divers and we all had ample space to spread out. Caprain Nathan has made a lot of nice improvements on Spectre over the winter, upgrading the benches and the new dive stations on the bow are much nicer than the previous offering. The crew remains top notch, making sure all divers are checked off and back onto the boat for each dive and that air fills are handled quickly . I've been diving with this team since getting scuba certified in 1986 and Spectre looks better than ever, we visit great dive sites and the crew is always top notch.See more..
We took my 82 year old mom and another couple with us. We saw humpback whales lunge feeding and many Risso dolphins including Casper, a rare albino dolphin. The guide, Chase (like the bank) was awesome at telling us where to point our cameras to catch the humpback whale breaching the surface of the water. Chase had impressive knowledge about marine life & his enthusiasm was contagious. Thanks to his direction, I got some awesome Follow the directions on the website - light breakfast, Dramamine the night before & morning of as well as renting the bracelets to prevent seasickness. All 5 of us felt great. It is cold so dress appropriately- wear a hat that covers your ears, bring gloves & a good jacket. We saw a few of the huge boats like Goddess of the Sea & was so thankful we chose a smaller, more intimate experience. My mom cannot swim but she never felt unsafe. It will not be the last time we go whale watching with sanctuary cruises!See more..
Took the sunline bus to the visitors center but found it was a 3.7 mile hike to the tram. ( to visit a vehicle is needed ) Got a lift from an elderly couple to the parking lots and walked up the steep parking lot and some stairs to the departure building. the fare is reasonable and the tram leaves every 10 minutes. The floor rotates as you rise and the rugged mountain scenery takes your breath away. At the top landing the temperature was just at freezing level so a warm sweater is an asset. The views of the valley below were spectacular as you are 8600 feet up. The café was closed but the restaurant was first class but very reasonable with panoramic views of the mountain. When I got into the gondola for the trip down I had a bit of vertigo looking down at the bottom landing so steep and far below. The whole ride was truly a great adventure and should definitely be tried if you are in the area.See more..
5.0Emerald Bay State Park(921 reviews) - Absolutely Gorgeous Scenery Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Bodies of Water
With photo opportunities at every turn, this idyllic bay in Lake Tahoe is a must-see. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Emerald Bay State Park is known for its large granite peaks and hiking trails. The best way to soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes is along the Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop or Rubicon Trail. Be sure to tour the Vikingsholm Castle in the summer months—this landmark boasts fine Scandinavian architecture and has an interesting history. Those who prefer jumping into the cool waters can go kayaking or scuba diving too. Parking at Emerald Bay is limited, so arrive early to snag a spot. – TripadvisorSee more..
5.0Gracianna Winery(861 reviews) - A perfect way to experience wine country Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
Gracianna Winery is a family-owned business that symbolizes everyday gratitudes and graciousness in entertaining because our belief is that hosting a special meal with friends and family is an everlasting circle that fills all our lives. Visit our vineyard tasting room to sample our award-winning wines, and see the only vineyard in the world where the vines wear jewels -- medallions featuring the names of Gracianna Medallion Wine Club™ members.See more..
5.0Oakland California Temple(854 reviews) - The Oakland California Temple is beautiful with stunning views Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the Family Search Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill auditorium and most events are free.See more..
5.0Redwood Highway(847 reviews) - Off season road trip Scenic Drives
Beautiful drive along the coast even with all the misty rain. Lots of great side trips and attractions. We were there in the off season in Spring so some places were closed. Pack a lunch and stop to enjoy the views.See more..
5.0The Nethercutt Collection(847 reviews) - Fantastic collection of Functional Art Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
The Grand Salon showcases cars of the 1910s to 1930s. There are also collections of furniture, dolls, timepieces and one of the world's finest collections of mechanical musical instruments.See more..
There’s something for everyone when visiting our family winery! Our relaxed and inviting tasting room and picnic grounds make the perfect afternoon getaway. Modeled after a Loire Valley chateau, our charming tasting room epitomizes the small family feel of the Dry Creek Valley. Sample our world-class wines, including limited-production, single-vineyard bottlings only available at the winery, and get to know the wines, the terroir and the people that make Dry Creek Vineyard so special.See more..
5.0La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline(829 reviews) - Zip Zoom Fabulous Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
If you are up to for some serious adrenaline rush take the backroads and drive to a day of Fun at LJ ZZZ! The ZZ Crew is super friendly, entertaining and above all Safety Oriented, just the way I like it. You are experiencing 3x 45 seconds of almost free fall at speeds up to 50mph, and trust me you want to know that safety gear is mounted and adjusted properly as your life is in the hands of these hard working young people. The landing at the bottom tells you the full story as you are bounced up 3 feet in the air after coming in hot full speed. Listen and follow the instructions and have thrill of a lifetime! Bo - Seattle, party of 4.See more..
5.0Gary Farrell Winery(828 reviews) - Fantastic experience, not to be missed Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
Open By Appointment Only. In the heart of the beautiful Russian River Valley, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery offers a proud 40-year winemaking history and a unique sense of place. Perched atop a ridge along winding Westside Road, the winery offers a spectacular view of the sweeping valley below. Gary Farrell Winery benefits immeasurably from its long-term relationships with many of the Russian River Valley's most celebrated and sought-after vineyards including Rochioli, Allen, and Hallberg to name a few. Gary Farrell Winery helped put Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the world stage, and the hallmark Gary Farrell wine style remains one of balance, elegance, texture and sense of place. Today these acclaimed wines can be enjoyed in their newly renovated Salon or upon the casual terrace and the view from the winery completes the picture.See more..
Oceanfront scenic loop that parallels Highway 1.See more..
5.0Sonoma Valley(772 reviews) - Go Go Go Wineries & Vineyards • Valleys
One of the prime wine producing regions in California. A visit to Sonoma Valley yields an outstanding array of food, lodging and scenery.See more..
5.0Mendocino Coast(767 reviews) - A Visit Back In Time Bodies of Water • Scenic Drives
A scenic drive along California's Pacific coastline offering beaches, historic lighthouses and old-time fishing villages.See more..
5.0Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard(750 reviews) - Designer Oceanview condo with Aquarium passes. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Best views in Pacific Grove. Across the street from the beach. It has two balconies that you can sit and watch and listen to the ocean. The first balcony is near the front door and has 3 Adrinick chairs with a small table. The second balcony has a higher table and four chairs and a ticket and stationary chair. It also has a BBQ to Grill. Comfortable reclining sofa and the other sofa opens to s bed.See more..
5.0Stout Grove(746 reviews) - Very Nice Trail Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
This area is separated from the bulk of the Redwood National Park. It’s definitely worth the extra drive time, though, and is easy to find. The last few miles of the drive to the trailhead are on a dirt road. People park everywhere but the parking lot is fairly large. I recommend driving to the parking lot first to see if there are any spaces before parking elsewhere. The hike is pretty short (less than a mile):and is easy. The area is very scenic as it consists primarily of ferns and redwoods. There are few non-Redwood trees in the area. The bulk of the trail is a loop. Pay attention to the signage when you enter the loop. There is a similar sign elsewhere on the trail which caused us (and a lot of other people) to mistakenly take a wrong trail. Highly recommended.See more..
5.0Joshua Tree National Park(742 reviews) - Stunning mountains and scenery Spent More than 3 hours National Parks
It’s easy to spend all day visiting the park as it’s huge and there are loads of trials to walk. We only chose a couple of short trials which we enjoyed. I would recommend baker trail. Plus the vastness of Turkey plains towards the south entrance is breathtaking. I would recommend the west entrance visitor centre, grab a map, ask a guide ( very helpful) to recommend a route and buy your ticket. Bring your own drink/ food as there are not restaurants in the park. There are toilets but not the flushing kind! Last flushing toilet is at the visitors centre on West entrance and south entrance ( didn’t use 29 Palms entrance but reckon there is there too)See more..
5.0Sentinel Dome(739 reviews) - Awesome Hike for ALL Geologic Formations
At 4,150 feet high, this peak offers an extensive view.See more..