10 Must-See California Destinations In 2024

CALIFORNIA ? Gas prices are lower than they?ve been in almost a year, and who doesn't need a bit of time off? That makes it an ideal time to hit the road and explore stunning destinations around the Golden State. We searched up and down California, and it?s an embarrassment of riches, but we narrowed it down to 10 of the best road trips we think with something for everyone.

We start at the far south, and work our way up.

1. San Diego Zoo

You can never have too many animals, and the San Diego Zoo has more than 4,000 animals encompassing 650 different species. With 4 million visitors annually, it?s the most visited zoo in the United States, and one of the most prestigious in the world.

Coming up, you?ll be able to visit a forest of gorillas, swimming polar bears, Outback koalas, elephants, giraffes ? you name it! The zoo also has an open-air safari park that will make you feel like you?re in Kenya or South Africa. The zoo is also part of the 1,200-acre Balboa Park, home to numerous museums and botanical gardens.

2. Wisdom Tree, Los Angeles

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Take a very steep hike up the far western end of Mt. Lee in Griffith Park to reach the famed wisdom tree, the only tree in the area that survived the 2007 fires. Since then, many people have made a pilgrimage to the lone pine tree, writting their hopes and dreams in the book at its trunk. The tree also offers commanding views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, the Hollywood Sign, Downtown LA, most of LA, and, on a clear day, the ocean.

3. Malibu

If you?re ever in SoCal, don?t forget to take a day or two to enjoy Malibu?s famed ?21 miles of scenic beauty.? And scenic they are: dramatic mountains dip into beautiful ocean, making for a paradise of swimming, surfing, and hiking.

Drive up and down the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, and stop in Malibu's town center to enjoy the Malibu Pier, Malibu Lagoon, the surfers at Surfrider Beach, and a number of excellent shops and restaurants. Head to the dramatic promontory at Pt. Dume for panoramic views, then lounge on the famed Zuma Beach, or head up into the hilltops to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the entire coast.

4. Santa Barbara

Malibu is gorgeous, but Santa Barbara definitely gives it a run for its money. Travel about two hours north of LA to enjoy more gorgeous mountains and ocean. Check out Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wooden pier in California that?s full of beautiful shops, restaurants, and views; the charming downtown, and tons of beautiful beaches and hikes through some of California?s best scenery. You can enjoy that scenery through a number of winery, trolley, and scooter tours.

5. Solvang

Head a bit north to end up in Denmark - whoops, Solvang. Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants and it leans into that heritage hard by imitating an authentic Danish village with windmills, Copenhagen Drive, Danish food, Danish shops, Danish museums, and Danish everything. Don?t miss the jam-filled aebelskiver pancake balls, the Hans Christian Anderson Museum, and its holiday-themed Julefest, which runs Nov. 24 to Jan. 6.

6. Big Sur

You haven?t fully lived in California until you?ve driven the enchanting Cabrillo Highway, which runs a total of 656 miles from Dana Point to Mendocino. One of its most beautiful sections runs from Cambria to Carmel, through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. In addition to offering stunning views of mountains and oceans throughout, you should get out to enjoy redwood forests, waterfalls, beautiful spas and resorts, and spots to camp.

Check out Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Morro Bay, the stunning Hearst Castle and nearby elephant seal colony along the way.

7. Hawk Hill, San Francisco

As one of the world?s premier cities, San Francisco has an endless array of things to do. We could easily fill up several articles on how to enjoy a single neighborhood alone. But if we had to pick a single thing to do, it would be to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, go under the underpass, then head up?and up, and up, and up, through a winding path. The views will get better and better until suddenly, you can see all of the bridge, then all of San Francisco, the mountains of Marin, the coast, the bay?.every direction you look will be more stunning than the last. You?ll probably see a hawk or two surveying the area, which is how it gets its name. So if you?re pressed for things to do in the Bay, why not go to the spot where you can see everything?

8. Muir Woods

For a quiet getaway, head a little north of San Francisco to visit Muir Woods, home to towering redwood trees, raging creeks, and stunning views. Muir Woods may be one of the best-known and most visited redwood forests in the state, offering a profound and awe-inspiring experience. You can also check out Big Basin or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains; Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to the famous Avenue of the Giants, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and many more.

9. Yosemite National Park

Heading inland, you can enjoy more staggeringly beautiful scenery at the world-famous Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is especially attractive if you?re a rock climber, and boasts cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome. You can also enjoy Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in the United States, the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, the beautiful views of Glacier Point, more redwoods at Mariposa Grove, and so much more.

10. Lake Tahoe

For more outdoor fun, head to Lake Tahoe, a summer paradise of swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Many people like to book lakeside cabins and try as many of these activities as possible. You can also book a number of boat tours to take you around the lake, many of which offer delicious food and drink. Don?t miss Emerald Bay State Park, one of the most scenic spots in a scenic region, the Gondola at Heavenly cable car, beautiful lake and mountain views at Inspiration Point Vista, the renowned Eagle Falls Trail, and more.