Given the diversity of options available, California is one of the ultimate places to visit in 2024. If you want to check out bustling metropolitan centers, Los Angeles is the ideal destination. Those who prefer a more bohemian or laissez-faire lifestyle can explore San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. There is also so much to see around San Diego, not to mention all the national parks and gorgeous countryside locales you can explore. Below is our guide that lists the top five places to visit in California this year and beyond.
1. San Francisco Bay Area
While many people associate California with the famous Hollywood Sign or the warm beaches of San Diego, the Bay Area is a picturesque and charming place to visit throughout the year.
With a very mild climate, the San Francisco Bay Area is pleasant for tourists any time of the year. Whether you are looking to get away from a cold winter or a hot summer, the moderate temperatures of this region should suit you perfectly.
There is so much to see and do in the Bay Area, as San Francisco has an incredible art, food, and cultural scene that you will not want to miss. The surrounding towns and cities offer plenty of fun, especially the more upscale and luxurious Marin County.
2. Los Angeles
A person could spend an entire month in Los Angeles and still have so much to see and do. If you only have a few days on your trip to California, then you must start with Hollywood and the surrounding areas. This part of LA is synonymous with glitz, glamor, and celebrity culture.
You can visit Universal Studios, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, where stars have been created for various actors and singers.
Aside from the showbiz industry, much more is happening in Los Angeles. To experience the area’s culture, you must visit Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Santa Monica Pier and Grand Central Market are two excellent spots as well. Meanwhile, charming and upscale areas such as Palm Springs are only a short drive away from LA, making it one of the best states in the US to visit this year.
3. Napa Valley
If you are already in the Bay Area, a short drive up north will quickly get you to Napa Valley. There are some incredible vineyards throughout the area, with wineries like Napa Valley Tasting Barn and Domaine Carneros pairing high-end wines with unbelievable scenery.
Imagine spending the entire day visiting beautiful vineyards, drinking some of the world’s best wines, and experiencing the idyllic climate of Napa Valley. What is not to love about such a vacation?
Aside from winery tours, you can also do general exploring in this area, as there are plenty of biking and hiking trails, national parks, and other great places to visit. There are also world-class and highly-rated bars and restaurants that you must visit at least once.
4. Death Valley National Park
An ideal vacation destination in the winter, given its extreme climate in the summer, Death Valley National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Many campgrounds, dunes, desert peaks, canyons, and other attractions exist. You can find the lowest point in North America in this national park, while the city life of Las Vegas, Nevada, is only a short car ride away.
5. Imperial Beach
A trip to Southern California is not complete without checking out San Diego and Imperial Beach, in particular. Imperial Beach is such a relaxed, charming place to spend the day. You can relax by the Pier, experience the Tijuana River National Research Reserve, or grab a few drinks from the nearby brewery.
Balboa Park is a favorite of tourists and locals alike, while the San Diego Zoo and Silver Strand State Beach are also perfect places to visit with a family or yourself. If you want to check out a quaint shopping mall near the beach, Seaport Village should also be on your list of places to visit.
Experience Your Dream Vacation
When booking the ultimate vacation, you must think about more than your destinations. Consider how you travel, such as flying commercially or renting a private jet, and be sure to book accommodations at the best and highest-rated places you can afford. Where you stay and how you get around California can significantly impact your perspective of the state. You can see the best California offers by planning and considering all the variables that go into having a great vacation.
