Best Places to Visit in California
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in California with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore California sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in California that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in California whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Sacramento, CA
The Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California. After a 14-year, $22 million restoration and rehabilitation, the Mansion is now open to the public as a museum. It also serves the citizens of California as the state’s official reception center for leaders from around the world.
Union Square
San Francisco, CA
Union Square is the retail and cultural hub of San Francisco. It boasts the city’s largest collection of luxury, department and boutique shopping, making it one of the premier tourist attractions in the Western United States. A spectacular selection of hotels, art galleries, salons, and theaters also contribute to the area’s cosmopolitan, 24-hour character. The center of the neighborhood is a landmark park bordered by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton streets. Built in 1850, Union Square was the gathering sight for pro-Union demonstrations on the eve of the Civil War.
The Hollywood Bowl Museum
Los Angeles, CA
The Hollywood Bowl Museum is a new exhibition that is known to be showcasing a lot of Latin culture. The museum currently features an exhibit that includes bilingual text, stunning graphics and photographs, interactive computer kiosks, as well as a dance floor.
USS Midway Museum
San Diego, CA
Imagine experiencing life at sea aboard one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. Visitors to the USS Midway Museum enter a floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of 225,000 Midway sailors who served their country and upheld the American ideals of strength, freedom and peace. The USS Midway Museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. Guests can spend the day exploring more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 29 restored aircraft.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
They are proud to welcome more than 13 million visitors each year to Golden Gate Park, one of San Francisco’s greatest treasures. From a vast, windswept expanse of sand dunes, park engineer William Hammond Hall and master gardener John McLaren carved out an oasis, a verdant, horticulturally diverse, and picturesque public space where city dwellers can relax and reconnect with the natural world. The rest, as they say, is history. Within Golden Gate Park’s 1,017 acres you’ll discover gardens, playgrounds, lakes, picnic groves, trails, and monuments, plus an array of cultural venues, events, and activities.
Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego, CA
Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. Join them and embark on your own Voyage of Discovery.
Hearst Castle
San Simeon, CA
Hearst Castle is a Mediterranean-style historic house museums that features guest houses, gardens, pools and terraces. Hearst Castle also features a 5,000 square foot gift and museum shop, museum exhibits, and the Hearst Castle Theater.
Pier 39
San Francisco, CA
Pier 39 has 110 specialty shops and 14 full-service restaurants. In addition, the Pier 39 experience involves two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping, and other attractions which are all surrounded by beautiful views of the city and the bay.
Winchester Mystery House
San Jose, CA
Winchester Mystery House is a 160-room Victorian mansion that was previously the home of Sarah L. Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune. The mansion has many mysteries inside and is known to be historic, beautiful, and bizarre.
Mission Dolores Park
San Francisco, CA
A Leave No Trace park, encompassing nearly 16 acres, Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most popular destinations, the vibrant heart of its equally vibrant, culturally diverse neighborhood. You’ll find lush green lawns shaded by tall palm trees, a soccer field, six tennis courts, one basketball court, a multi-use court, a playground, and two off-leash dog play areas.
