Top 15 Cities to Visit in California 2024 | Travel Guide

What makes California the top vacation spot in the U.S.? Last year, over 15 million visitors from around the world came to the Golden State¹. It's known for its diverse cities, from the busy streets of Los Angeles to the laid-back beaches of San Diego. California has three of the most visited cities in the U.S., each offering its own mix of sights, neighborhoods, and cultural spots¹.

But there's more to California than just its cities. It has over 60 coastal cities along its 840 miles of Pacific coastline¹ and 146 National Historic Landmarks¹. Whether you love the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park or the sunny beaches of Santa Monica, this guide will show you the top 15 cities to visit in California in 2024. You'll discover their top attractions and hidden spots.

Key Takeaways

• California is a top tourist destination in the U.S., attracting over 15 million international visitors annually¹.
• The state boasts a diverse array of cities, from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles to the relaxed coastal lifestyle of San Diego¹.
• California is home to three of the most-visited cities in the U.S., offering iconic landmarks and notable neighborhoods¹.
• The state's natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance appeal to a wide range of visitors¹.
• This travel guide will showcase the top 15 cities to visit in California in 2024, highlighting their unique attractions and experiences.

15. Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park sits in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. It's a place of wonder, filled with the world's largest trees, the giant sequoias. Visitors from all over come to see its² historical and natural sights.

The General Sherman Tree is a famous sight here. It's over 84 meters tall and 31 meters wide, and it's more than 2,200 years old². You can walk the Congress Trail, a 3.2-kilometer loop, to see these huge trees up close². Or, try the Moro Rock hike, climbing 400 steps to the top². The Crescent Meadow trail is a peaceful 1-hour walk through different landscapes².

For an underground adventure, visit the Crystal Cave for a guided tour. You'll see amazing formations and colors under the ground². The General Grant Tree Trail is a short walk to the General Grant Tree, the second-biggest tree in the world³.

But there's more to see than just trees. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is an 80-kilometer drive with stunning views of mountains and valleys². Whether hiking, exploring caves, or enjoying the views, Sequoia National Park is a california travel destinations 2024 you can't miss.

Sequoia National Park was made in 1890 to save the giant sequoia trees from logging³. It's a top spot for visitors looking for a best california cities for tourism 2024 and must-visit california cities 2024 experience. With its variety of popular vacation spots california 2024, it's a true treasure in the california travel destinations 2024 world²³⁴.

14. Death Valley

Death Valley is in California's Mojave Desert, a place of extremes. It has drawn travelers for generations⁵. This park, over 1.3 million hectares big, is famous for its stunning landscapes. It includes the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin⁵.

The climate here is extreme. On August 16th, 2020, it hit a record high of 53°C (130°F)⁵. Yet, it's home to diverse wildlife like coyotes and mountain lions⁵. Visitors need to be ready with enough fuel and water for the dry terrain⁵.

Historical Highlights

Death Valley has a rich history. Native Americans once lived here, and the Donner Party got stranded in the 1840s⁶. Explorers have left their mark over the years⁶.

Today, you can visit historic spots like Zabriskie Point and Dante's View⁶. The Ubehebe Crater shows the area's volcanic past⁶. Death Valley offers a unique experience for those exploring california's top urban attractions 2024, hottest california city destinations 2024, and must-visit california cities⁶.

Plan to spend at least 2 days in Death Valley, ideally 4 or more⁷. Make a careful plan to visit different places together to save time⁷. You can stay at places like Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek, or in Beatty, Nevada⁷.

Don't miss Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Dunes, Badwater Basin, and Dante's View⁷. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is great for planning your trip, offering maps and ranger-led hikes⁷.

"Death Valley is a land of extremes, where the relentless sun and the harsh, arid landscape challenge the very limits of human endurance. And yet, within this seemingly inhospitable realm, a remarkable resilience and beauty can be found, captivating all who dare to venture into its depths." - John Muir, renowned naturalist and explorer.

Death Valley offers unforgettable adventures. You can drive through Titus Canyon, explore Badwater Basin, or enjoy the views from Dante's View⁷. It's a must-see for california's top urban attractions 2024 and hottest california city destinations 2024 travelers⁷.

13. Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a gem in California, famous for its high cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and varied wildlife⁸. It has inspired artists, climbers, and nature fans for years⁸. In the 1920s, photographer Ansel Adams made Yosemite famous with his black-and-white photos⁸.

Historical Highlights

Yosemite has a long history, with Native American tribes like the Miwok and Paiute living there before Europeans arrived⁹. Thanks to John Muir, a naturalist, it became a national park in 1890⁸.

Now, visitors can see famous spots like Yosemite Falls⁸ and Half Dome⁸. Climbing is very popular here⁸, drawing climbers from all over the world⁸.

Yosemite has many trails for hiking, from easy walks to long treks⁸. Roads like Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road help you get around, but Tioga Road opens later in spring⁸.

Yosemite is perfect for those who love stunning views, exciting outdoor activities, or connecting with nature⁹. It's a must-see spot for california sightseeing highlights or california trip planning 2024⁹. Its mix of natural beauty, history, and fun activities makes it a top spot to explore california cities⁹¹⁰⁸.

12. Mendocino

Mendocino is a charming seaside town along the Northern California coast. It's known for its Victorian architecture, stunning views, and arts scene¹⁰. The Pomo people first lived here, then European settlers arrived in the 19th century. Now, it's a top spot for tourists, blending history, culture, and adventure.

At Bowling Ball Beach, you can see rocks that look like sea turtles at low tide¹⁰. Nearby, the Cascade Range has the McArthur-Burney Falls, a 129-foot waterfall that was once called the "Eighth Wonder of the World"¹⁰. The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve has Tufa Towers, strange limestone spires sticking out of the lake¹⁰.

Mount Shasta, a 14,179-foot volcano, draws hikers and spiritual seekers¹⁰. The Devils Postpile National Monument has 60-foot basalt columns and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls¹⁰.

Visitors can walk through historic downtown Mendocino, hike to waterfalls, and try local wines and food¹¹. The coast stretches from Gualala to Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, full of beauty and activities¹¹. Coming from Los Angeles, fly to Santa Rosa Airport and drive two hours on the 101 Freeway¹¹.

Historical Highlights

Mendocino's history goes back to the mid-1800s, when logging was big here¹¹. Now, it faces drought and visitor issues, like the loss of glass pebbles at Glass Beach¹¹. Yet, Mendocino is still a top spot for its natural and cultural treasures.

Mendocino also has many events and festivals all year¹². You can enjoy the Sonoma County Pride, Outloud Music Festival, and more¹². These events highlight the area's culture and offer fun experiences for visitors¹⁰¹¹¹².

11. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a city along the central California coast known for its mix of nature, history, and culture¹³. It has a diverse landscape, from beautiful beaches to tall redwood forests. This makes it a top spot for tourists in California.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a key spot here, a seaside amusement park that's been fun for over a century¹⁴. It features the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster. The Boardwalk is perfect for families, offering rides, games, and a lively vibe.

Santa Cruz is also home to natural wonders¹⁴. The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park lets you walk among ancient redwoods, some over 1,800 years old¹⁴. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a favorite for its stunning views.

For history buffs, the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Mission Plaza are must-sees¹⁴. They show the area's early European settlement and the lively culture that followed.

Santa Cruz has something for everyone, from the Boardwalk's excitement to the peaceful redwoods and historic sites¹⁴.

Historical Highlights

The Ohlone people lived in Santa Cruz for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived in the 18th century¹⁴. They established the Mission Santa Cruz in 1791, starting a new chapter for the area¹⁴.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Santa Cruz became a sought-after seaside resort town with the opening of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in 1907¹⁴. It was also a center for the 1960s counterculture movement, attracting artists and musicians¹⁴.

Today, Santa Cruz remains a lively and culturally rich city, drawing visitors worldwide with its unique mix of nature, history, and community spirit¹⁴¹³¹⁵.

10. Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is in Southern California's Mojave Desert. It's famous for its Joshua trees and unique rock formations. People come from all over to see its beauty¹⁶.

The park has a long history, with humans living there for thousands of years. You can learn about this by hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying the night sky¹⁶.

Historical Highlights

Outdoor lovers and nature fans adore Joshua Tree. The best times to visit are March-May and October-November. The weather is nice, and the desert is full of wildflowers¹⁷. These months can get busy, but visiting in the off-season means fewer people¹⁸.

Joshua Tree is also known for its arts and music. There are many galleries, studios, and festivals. It's perfect for those looking for adventure, peace, or inspiration¹⁶.