Last updated on October 24th, 2022
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Planning a visit to the Golden State, but not sure which cities to visit in California? With so many cool places, it can be hard to settle on just one. From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, there is so much to explore and experience.
Whether you only want to explore one city or take on multiple during your stay, I’ve got you covered with 9 fascinating cities to visit in California.
This post is all about cities to visit in California.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Fascinating Cities to Visit in California
San Franscisco
Home to the Golden Gate Bridge and the largest & oldest Chinatown in North America, San Francisco is first on the list of cities to visit in California. There are many reasons to experience San Fran, like the delicious food and the diverse culture, but the breathtaking views are enough alone to book a trip immediately.
Foodie travelers, history buffs, nightlife lovers, and those who enjoy festivals will feel right at home in this city. This diverse area has something for everyone and is an absolute must when traveling to the West Coast!
What to do here:
- Enjoy one (or more) of the city’s many festivals held in the area each year.
- Walk on the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Eat at some of the best restaurants in the city.
- Take a city tour using the Big Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
San Diego
If sunny, 70-degree weather and beautiful beaches bring you joy, San Diego is your spot for a vacation. This city has near-perfect weather all year long and roughly 70 miles of shoreline, so beach days are a must. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a spotting of the famous seals lounging about the beach.
If lounging on the beach isn’t your thing, join the many cyclists around the city and bike around areas like Mission Bay or San Diego Bay. In just these two areas alone, there are over 40 miles of terrain to bike! But if that’s not enough for you, check out the biking trails here.
What to do here:
- Check out the seals on a Seals Tour.
- Visit the beautiful botanical gardens in Balboa Park.
- Geek out at the Comic-Con Museum.
- Spend an afternoon at San Diego Natural History Museum.
- Dine at some of the best restaurants in the city.
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Los Angeles
While some may be drawn to this city because of its popularity among celebrities, Los Angeles offers much more. Located in southern California, Los Angeles has beautiful weather year-round with beaches with their own unique charm. And as I’m sure you’ve seen on many influencers’ social media pages, hiking is all the rage here, with beautiful views outlooking the entire city.
I believe that part of the fun in traveling is experiencing the amazing cuisine a destination has to offer. And let me tell you, LA has an unbelievable dining scene. Some restaurants to make sure you try include Cupid’s Hot Dogs, Lasita, Angry Egret Dinette, and Moo’s Craft BBQ.
Besides all this awesomeness, LA happens to be where many movies are shot. There are numerous movie sets in the city like Warner Brothers, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures. You’re bound to run into a movie star or two with this many productions companies!
What to do here:
- Visit a movie set.
- Check out the unique Venice Beach.
- Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- Try out the bustling food market, Grand Central Market.
Palm Springs
A little over 100 miles from LA is Palm Springs sitting right on the edge of the desert in Coachella Valley. This city is a tourist-friendly spot that is especially nice for those wanting a chill, laidback, desert vacation.
Travelers who love art will geek out at the modern mid-century home and hotel designs that were extremely popular back in the day. In May, the city holds an annual Modernism Week that highlights mid-century art, architecture, and fashion.
In addition, Palm Springs has beautiful areas to enjoy a nice hike. The Palm Springs Indian Canyon is one of the most popular for its spectacular beauty. You can check out other trails here.
What to do here:
- Check out the beautiful scenery while hiking.
- See some amazing art at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
- Walk around at the Moorten Botanical Garden.
- Take some pictures with the Cabazon Dinosaurs.
Santa Barbara
Next on the list, a couple hours north of LA, sits Santa Barbara. While this city is located in California, it has an undeniable Spanish influence, evidenced by the fantastic architecture. This stunning city seems worlds away from the California vibes the surrounding cities give, which is exactly why it’s a must on the list of cities to visit in California.
Like the other destinations on this list, you can expect beautiful beaches and delicious food. But unlike the other places, Santa Barbara is home to an Urban Wine Trail that stretches across two neighborhoods, each with its own unique spin on wine and dining. This is a winos paradise and most definitely an experience to remember!
What to do here:
- Explore wildlife during whale watching.
- Do some wine tasting on the Urban Wine Trail.
- Go kayaking through the caves of the Channel Islands National Park.
- Learn more about Santa Barbara’s history at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
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Monterey
Monterey If you thought the views in the earlier cities were fabulous, they have nothing on Monterey. There is a stunning 17-mile stretch overlooking the ocean and rugged terrain that hugs the Pacific coastline. As Monterey sits right on the coast, travelers can expect a mild Mediterranean climate which means pleasant, cool summers.
Yes, please!
Besides the gorgeous views, Monterey has a genuinely amazing culinary scene. And here, where there is food, there is often delicious wine to go along with it.
When you’re not eating or enjoying the view, check out the unique shopping centers the area has to offer. There is much to choose from with so many galleries and independent shops!
All travelers are welcome in Monterey, whether it’s a romantic getaway, family trip, or even if you are venturing alone.
What to do here:
- Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Take a walk or bike ride on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.
- Go on the 17-mile scenic drive.
Sacramento
SacramentoIf you want to explore California, you can’t skip out on the capital, Sacramento. While this city isn’t as flashy as the others, it certainly has its own charm. As the state’s capital, the California government resides here and other historical sites like the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and the Capitol Park.
Sacramento also happens to have a fast-growing coffee scene, with several independent coffee shops. So, coffee lovers are welcome!
The city also hosts an annual music festival – the Sacramento Music Festival, with music for all ages. You can also expect a thriving nightlife with underground bars that create a fun, speakeasy vibe.
What to do here:
- Explore the Leland Stanford Mansion in the State Historic Park.
- Experience the Old Sacramento Waterfront.
- Fill your belly up with some yummy food at The Waterboy.
- Check out some art at the Crocker Art Museum.
Santa Monica
Santa MonicaWhy check out Santa Monica? Well, this city has some of the BEST sunsets you’ll ever see. And it’s only a 20-minute drive from Los Angeles! So you can very quickly hit two cities in one.
Santa Monica is also worth paying a visit for its renowned beaches, the Santa Monica Pier, and its exciting nightlife. Not to mention the delicious restaurants.
And as Santa Monica is a walkable city (not the case for most cities in the US), you can easily tour the city by foot, bike, or even a tour bus!
What to do here:
- Explore the carnival attractions, restaurants, and shops on the Santa Monica Pier.
- Enjoy a beach day at Santa Monica State Beach.
- Visit the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
- Go shopping on Third Street Promenade.
Napa Valley
Napa ValleyAnd lastly is wine country – Napa Valley.
Napa Valley has over 375 wineries and 95 urban tasting rooms, making it well-known for its world-class wine. It’s also famous for its Michelin-star restaurants and luxurious hotels.
Besides wine tastings, Napa also offers hiking, golfing, shopping, spas, and nightlife.
What to do here:
- Go wine tasting.
- Hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train to explore Napa.
- Experience Napa for the sky in Hot Air Ballon.
- Dine at the culinary capital of Napa Valley, Yountville.
Whether you visit all the cities or just try a few, you will have a blast in the Golden State!
Let me know your favorite city in the comments below!
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This post is all about cities to visit in California.
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