Looking for things to do in california that mix famous sights with a few slower stops? Think rocky coastlines, towering trees and a little courtyard browsing between adventures.
These pictures give you plenty to choose from, whether you’re drawn to the desert or would rather stay near the ocean.
You don’t have to fit everything into one trip. Pick a region and build from there.
Check current access, reservations and weather before heading out, especially for coastal roads and park trails.
California Trip Ideas Worth Saving
take the coastal route
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous stretch of coastline. The turquoise water, jagged rocks and narrow beach are exactly the kind of scenery that makes a Highway 1 drive so tempting.
Leave room in your itinerary for stops at designated overlooks. This isn’t a drive I’d want to rush.
look for Yosemite reflections
How pretty is that reflection? Half Dome rises above the trees while yellow leaves and patches of blue sky repeat in the water below.
If Yosemite is on your list, make time for a riverside pause as well as the bigger hikes. I love how much there is to notice without filling the day with activities.
visit a cellar-style tasting room
This tasting-room setting may just be one of my favorites here. I love the brick arches, glass decanters and basket of bottles in the foreground.
For a similar stop, look for a winery with an indoor tasting room and check its booking requirements. Arrange a designated driver if you’re planning to drink.
see the Golden Gate Bridge
You can keep this stop simple. Find an accessible public viewpoint and give yourself time to take in the Golden Gate Bridge rather than grabbing one photo and leaving.
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The red towers against that pale peach sky are so pretty. A late-day visit could be lovely, though San Francisco’s fog might give you a completely different view.
follow the desert trail signs
Want to swap the coast for desert scenery? This Joshua Tree trail junction points toward Heart Rock and Arch Rock Trail, with pale boulders and scattered shrubs behind it.
Choose your route using the current park map. Bring water and sun protection rather than treating a photo stop as a reason to head out unprepared.
slow down in Big Sur
I am obsessed with this Big Sur view. The steep cliffs and little curve of beach are gorgeous, especially with yellow flowers in the foreground.
Give this part of the coast its own time on your itinerary. Stick to open trails and viewpoints rather than assuming every beach below the road is accessible.
find a castle view at Disneyland
Calling all Disney fans, this castle view is so cute. The pink roses, blue rooftops and reflection in the water make a lovely change from a straight-on entrance photo.
Try looking for a side view of Sleeping Beauty Castle during your visit. The decorations shown here are anniversary-specific, so don’t expect the exact same display.
spend an evening at Santa Monica Pier
How gorgeous is that pink sky beside the glowing Ferris wheel? Santa Monica Pier gives you a beach walk and amusement-park scenery in the same stop.
I’d leave some time to wander before deciding whether to go on a ride. The view along the sand deserves a moment too.
pause beside clear mountain water
Don’t want every day to be packed with attractions? No problem! A lakeshore stop gives you a different kind of afternoon.
I love the submerged rocks and pine-lined shore in this picture. For similar scenery, consider Lake Tahoe and choose a public shoreline access point.
Clear water alone doesn’t tell you whether swimming conditions are safe.
walk among towering redwoods
Those trees really do make the person on the trail look tiny. The huge trunks and ferns are more than enough reason to put a redwood walk on your wish list.
Pick an established trail that suits your group, then give yourself permission to take it slowly. Don’t forget to look up!
see Death Valley’s dunes
If you love wide-open scenery, this one is for you. The dune ridges curve across the picture with rippled sand below and rugged mountains behind.
Consider a winter visit to Death Valley, but still check the forecast and park alerts. Carry water and plan your walk around actual conditions, not just the season.
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wander beneath the palms
This is another desert idea, but it looks so different from the dunes above. Long palm fronds surround a narrow boardwalk that curves out of sight.
For your Palm Springs plans, look into a palm-oasis walk and confirm the specific trail’s access before you go. I’d choose this kind of outing for a closer look at the landscape.
try a guided sea-cave paddle
Want a view from the water instead? These yellow kayaks sit beneath a huge cave opening, with sunlight catching the rock walls beyond.
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Look for a guided coastal kayaking trip if you’d like to try something similar. Cave entry depends on conditions and local rules, so let the guide decide whether it’s appropriate that day.
browse a garden courtyard
I love this little courtyard with its winding path and framed art. The big tree, climbing greenery and uneven fence make it worth slowing down before you even reach the doorway.
Leave a gap in your plans for gallery browsing or a garden-lined shopping lane. Not every memorable stop needs to be a major landmark.
take the Sherman Tree Trail
Ready for another forest stop? The Sherman Tree Trail sign points you toward one of Sequoia National Park’s best-known sights, the General Sherman Tree.
The mossy trunk beside the sign is already a lovely detail. Check trail conditions and the return climb before choosing your route, especially if anyone in your group has limited mobility.
stroll past Solvang’s windmills
How cute is this Solvang street? The windmill above the rooftops is the first thing you notice, but the flowerpots and outdoor tables are just as sweet.
Make time for a wander and a bakery stop rather than only stopping for the windmill photo. This is a lovely idea for a slower town afternoon.
explore Old Town Temecula
Temecula doesn’t have to mean spending your whole visit at a vineyard. This picture shows an Old Town streetscape with Western-style storefronts and a wine-and-beer garden sign.
Pair some town browsing with a tasting reservation if that suits your trip. I’d keep a little unplanned time for finding somewhere to eat.
take in Avalon’s harbor
The blue-green harbor and hillside buildings are so pretty together. Avalon on Catalina Island is a lovely option if you want to build an island stop into your California plans.
Start with a waterfront stroll, then consider a public uphill viewpoint for a wider look at the bay. Check ferry schedules before settling on how long to stay.
find a bluff-backed beach
I know the rocky coastal views above are gorgeous, but this long sweep of beach is another favorite. Mostly because of the golden light catching the distant cliffs.
Choose an open public beach access if you want a similar walk. A staircase like this also means a climb back up, so keep that in mind when picking your stop.
look out from Griffith Observatory
Last but definitely not least, we have Griffith Observatory. The curved terrace, pale arches and viewing telescope make this a fun stop for looking out over Los Angeles.
Check current building hours if you also want to explore inside. I’d leave time for the outdoor views rather than making the exhibits the whole visit.
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