Where to Go, What to See, and What to Do While Traveling Through California
How do you plan a trip through a state as massive and diverse as California? From fog-covered coastlines and ancient forests to high desert art towns and bustling cities, California offers something for every kind of traveler.
If you're heading toward the coast, don’t miss exploring the Malibu things to do , a perfect blend of scenic beaches, celebrity hotspots, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're drawn to nature trails or laid-back beach vibes, Malibu has it all. No matter your travel preferences, TricksnTravel is a great resource to discover handpicked activities, hidden gems, and expert tips for your next California adventure and beyond.
Let’s break it down by region and theme, helping you discover not just where to go, but what to see, what to do, and where to eat—whether you're planning a full loop or just passing through.
Southern California: Sunshine, Surf, and Style
Southern California is where beach culture, desert landscapes, and urban energy come together. In San Diego, visitors can explore Balboa Park’s museums and gardens before heading to the coast for surfing lessons in Encinitas or lounging in La Jolla Cove. Inland, the surreal rock formations and cactus-dotted trails of Joshua Tree National Park offer a completely different experience just two hours from Los Angeles.
Scenic views aren’t limited to nature. Venice Beach delivers colorful murals and people-watching, while nearby Santa Monica offers a walkable pier and bike paths that run along the coast. The desert city of Palm Springs mixes mid-century modern design with outdoor adventure, including hiking in Indian Canyons or riding the aerial tramway to panoramic mountain views.
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. San Diego’s fish tacos and Tijuana-inspired street food are staples, while Los Angeles offers a melting pot of flavors—from Korean BBQ in K-town to authentic Oaxacan dishes in Boyle Heights. Finish off the day with a classic date shake in Palm Springs, a local specialty that reflects the area’s agricultural roots.
Central Coast: Laid-Back Towns and Epic Views
California’s Central Coast is a stretch of rugged cliffs, quiet beaches, and charming small towns. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway between San Simeon and Big Sur provides one of the most iconic road trip experiences in the U.S. Stop in Morro Bay to kayak near sea otters or hike Black Hill for a scenic overlook of the coast and estuary.
Hearst Castle is a standout attraction in the region, with its lavish architecture and sweeping views of San Simeon. A little further inland, Paso Robles has become a growing wine region, offering intimate tasting rooms and scenic vineyard tours. Nature lovers can also explore state parks like Pfeiffer Big Sur or watch migrating whales off the coast during certain times of the year.
When it comes to food, the Central Coast leans into local freshness. In Pismo Beach, seafood is a must—especially the clam chowder served in sourdough bowls. San Luis Obispo has a vibrant downtown with craft beer and farm-to-table restaurants, while Solvang offers a sweet surprise with its Danish bakeries and European-style ambiance.
Central Valley and Inland Adventures: Off the Beaten Path
Often overlooked, California’s Central Valley has a lot to offer for those willing to explore beyond the coast. This fertile region is the agricultural heart of the state, and towns like Fresno offer opportunities to visit farms and fruit stands directly. Travelers passing through can also learn about California’s farming history through local museums and markets.
A visit to Old Town Sacramento offers a historic backdrop with wooden sidewalks, Gold Rush-era buildings, and riverboat cruises along the Sacramento River. Yosemite National Park is accessible from the Valley and offers less-crowded lower-elevation trails that are especially vibrant in spring when waterfalls are at their peak. Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees on Earth, is another inland highlight worth the trip.
In terms of food, the Central Valley thrives on freshness. You can find family-run Mexican restaurants serving authentic dishes made with local produce, or book a restaurant with a private room in Sacramento. Modesto and Visalia offer excellent roadside diners and farmer’s markets. Davis, home to UC Davis, blends college-town energy with a strong farm-to-fork culture, making it a great pit stop for a thoughtful meal.
Northern California: Nature, Innovation, and Nostalgia
Northern California is home to dramatic coastlines, towering forests, and world-class wine country. The redwood groves in Humboldt and Del Norte counties provide a humbling experience, with ancient trees stretching over 300 feet tall. Nearby, the remote Lost Coast offers rugged hikes and solitude rarely found elsewhere in the state.
Just inland, Napa and Sonoma attract wine enthusiasts with award-winning vineyards and opportunities for hot air balloon rides at sunrise. San Francisco, a hub of culture and innovation, offers unique views from places like Twin Peaks or the Sutro Baths ruins. Alcatraz Island, once a prison, remains one of the most visited attractions for good reason—it tells an important piece of California’s complex history.
Food in this region is as varied as its landscapes. San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread, seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown cuisine. Tomales Bay is known for oysters, best enjoyed fresh at waterside shacks. Berkeley’s farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants reflect the area’s commitment to local, sustainable agriculture.
Unexpected Art & Culture Stops
California isn’t just natural beauty—it’s also a canvas of creative expression. One of the most surprising art destinations is Salvation Mountain near the Salton Sea, a colorful hillside covered in religious and folk art. Nearby, the off-grid art community of East Jesus adds to the surreal atmosphere, filled with recycled installations and experimental pieces.
In Los Angeles, skip the Walk of Fame and visit The Getty Center or The Broad for striking architecture and world-class art collections. San Francisco’s Mission District features vibrant murals that reflect the city’s Latin heritage and activist spirit. Even smaller cities like Sacramento have embraced public art with their Wide Open Walls mural festival, which adds color to alleys and building facades across downtown.
Film buffs can find cultural landmarks throughout the state, from Alfred Hitchcock’s Bodega Bay (filming location for The Birds) to the silent-movie era charm of Niles, a district in Fremont. Whether it's visual art, cinema, or unexpected installations, California’s creative spirit is embedded in places both mainstream and obscure.
Conclusion
What other state lets you surf, hike among ancient redwoods, explore desert art, and sip wine all in the same week? California offers more than iconic cities and postcard views—it’s a constantly evolving landscape shaped by culture, climate, and creativity.
Whether you're road-tripping the coast, wandering through mountain towns, or digging into the food scene, there's always something new to discover.
