California is a land of dreamers, beach lovers, hikers, and foodies. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a relaxing beach vacation, or an adventure in nature, there’s something for everyone in the Golden State. From iconic cities to breathtaking national parks, here are the top things to do in California in 2025—perfect for first-time travelers and seasoned explorers.
Top Things to Do in California 2025 | Travel Guide
1. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the most scenic drives in the world. It hugs the California coastline from Orange County to Northern California, offering dramatic ocean views, cliffside roads, and charming coastal towns.
Don’t miss:
- Big Sur: Visit McWay Falls and Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Monterey: Stop by Cannery Row and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Santa Cruz: Ride the old-fashioned roller coasters on the beach boardwalk.
Best time: Late spring to early fall for clear skies and safe roads.
2. Explore Yosemite National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite is a paradise for nature lovers. Hike to waterfalls, see granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, and camp under the stars.
Top things to do:
- Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
- Visit Glacier Point for breathtaking views.
- Try rock climbing or photography tours.
Located in: Eastern California (Sierra Nevada)
3. Discover the Redwoods
Stand beneath the world’s tallest trees at Redwood National and State Parks or Muir Woods just outside San Francisco. These ancient forests are peaceful, magical, and awe-inspiring.
Tip: Drive the Avenue of the Giants for a scenic forest experience.
4. Enjoy California’s Best Beaches
California is famous for its diverse beaches—family-friendly, surfer hotspots, or peaceful nature escapes.
Top beaches:
- Santa Monica – Iconic pier, great for families
- Malibu – Clean surf beaches, celebrity homes
- La Jolla Cove (San Diego) – Snorkeling and sea lions
- Carmel Beach – Romantic and dog-friendly
Best beach season: May to October
5. Visit San Francisco
San Francisco combines history, culture, and technology in one walkable city.
Must-see sights:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island prison tour
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
- Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world
- Ride the iconic cable cars
Travel tip: Bring layers—it’s often chilly even in summer.
6. Experience the Magic of Los Angeles
Home to Hollywood and sunshine, Los Angeles is where stars are made and creativity shines.
Don’t miss:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Griffith Observatory & hiking to the Hollywood sign
- Santa Monica & Venice Beach
- The Getty Center for art lovers
7. Relax in San Diego
San Diego is perfect for laid-back travelers. It offers beautiful weather year-round, beaches, and fun for the whole family.
Highlights:
- San Diego Zoo (one of the best in the world!)
- Balboa Park with museums and gardens
- Coronado Island for beach resorts
- Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife
8. Take a Trip to Disneyland
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is called the “Happiest Place on Earth” for a reason. With classic rides, parades, and character meet-and-greets, it’s perfect for kids and nostalgic adults.
Tip: Book your tickets and hotel early in 2025—it gets busy!
9. Go Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Napa Valley and Sonoma County are world-famous wine regions, just a short drive from San Francisco. Whether you love red, white, or sparkling, there’s a wine for you.
Things to try:
- Vineyard tours and tastings
- Hot air balloon rides
- Wine and food pairings
Best time: August–October during the harvest season
10. Hike and Stargaze in Joshua Tree
Located in the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park offers desert hiking, unique rock formations, and some of the best stargazing in California.
Top experiences:
- Climb the boulders at Hidden Valley
- Watch the sunset at Keys View
- Camp under the stars (it’s a designated Dark Sky Park)
11. Ski or Swim in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a rare destination where you can ski in the winter and swim or kayak in the summer. It straddles the California-Nevada border and offers stunning alpine beauty.
- Winter: Ski resorts like Heavenly and Northstar
- Summer: Paddleboarding, boating, hiking, and beach days
12. Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
If Yosemite is too crowded, Sequoia & Kings Canyon offer similar beauty—plus the largest trees in the world.
Highlights:
- General Sherman Tree (largest by volume)
- Crystal Cave (open in summer)
- Hiking the High Sierra trails
13. Attend a California Festival
California hosts some of the biggest music, food, and cultural events.
Notable 2025 festivals:
- Coachella (April) – Iconic music and art festival
- Gilroy Garlic Festival (July) – Unique and flavorful!
- Pacific Airshow (October) – Stunning jet displays over Huntington Beach
14. Discover Underrated Towns and Hidden Gems
Go beyond the usual tourist spots and discover charming small towns:
- Ojai – Art, spirituality, and natural beauty
- Paso Robles – Emerging wine region with fewer crowds
- Nevada City – Gold Rush history and cozy cabins
- Solvang – A Danish-style village in wine country
15. Take a Hot Spring Soak
Relax in one of California’s many natural hot springs, especially in the Eastern Sierra:
- Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport
- Wild Willy’s Hot Springs near Mammoth Lakes
- Desert Hot Springs near Palm Springs
16. Hike the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail
For serious hikers, California is home to some of the most famous long-distance trails in the U.S. You can do short sections or commit to weeks of adventure.
When is the Best Time to Visit California?
- Spring (March–May): Blooming flowers, fewer crowds, perfect for road trips
- Summer (June–August): Great for beaches, festivals, and national parks
- Fall (September–November): Harvest season, warm days, fewer tourists
- Winter (December–February): Ideal for skiing, desert travel, and city sightseeing
Final Travel Tips for California
- Rent a car: California is huge—public transport is limited outside cities.
- Book early: Popular places like Yosemite, Disneyland, and Napa fill fast.
- Check fire & weather alerts: Summers can be dry and affected by wildfires.
- Be respectful of nature: Pack out trash, follow local rules, and stay on trails.
Conclusion:
From stunning beaches and epic mountains to vibrant cities and desert beauty, California truly has it all. Whether you want a peaceful escape in nature or action-packed fun in the city, there are endless things to do in California to suit every traveler’s dream.
Let this guide be your starting point to plan the perfect California vacation in 2025!
