Which California Destination is Best for You?

So, you’ve decided to hop on a plane with your airline ticket labeled “Country of Arrival: USA”. For many, California is the first state that comes to mind when tipping your toe into the waters of American tourism, and for good reason. California is a vast, diverse state with everything from deserts and temperate rainforests to wild oceans, wine regions, and of course, big cities- the American dream. With so many stellar destinations to choose from, it can be easy to go from eagerly chomping at the bit to overwhelmed in a few seconds flat. 

 When it comes to planning a big trip to California, we know you’re being flooded with options. After all, the state certainly has no shortage of incredible things to see and do. We wanted to make it simple for you and take the fuss out of planning a vacation. Here, we’ve put together a guide to 10 of California’s most iconic destinations and how to know which one is the perfect choice for you. 

1. If you love an eclectic small town, go to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the seaside fairytale village you’ve always dreamed about. With a vintage arts influence and a series of Swedish-style tiny cottages, this town has a totally unexpected vibe that differs from the ultra-modern, “new money” feel that’s ingrained in many of California’s coastal cities. 

Stay Here: L’Auberge Carmel  

Do This: 

• Indulge your inner child with a trip to the Cottage of Sweets
• Check out the 80s art scene and peruse a gallery or two
• Take a leisurely Sunday cruise down 17-Mile Drive
• Visit Point Lobos State Reserve to watch the sea otters play 
• Go to Bittner to splurge on luxury writing materials such as fountain pains and hand-pressed papers

2. If you love wild coastlines, go to Big Sur

Just a little further down the road, Big Sur offers that modern approach to the rugged luxury lifestyle California is so famous for. Secluded beaches beneath harrowing cliffs, angry waves, and twisting roads make this region a staple on many tourists’ bucket lists. 

Stay Here: Post Ranch Inn

Do This: 

• Experience the majesty of the McWay Waterfall 
• Take a stroll along the Cyprus Grove Trail
• Snap a pic of the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach 
• Check out the literary/art works of past and present locals at the Henry Miller Memorial Library
• Watch the sunset over Bixby Bridge

3. If you live for an Instagrammable moment, go to Palm Springs

This desert town was practically built for influencers and Coachella-style bachelorette bashes. Juxtaposed with dry terrain are white buildings with retro-style decor, collections of tropical plants, and bright splashes of colour. If you want a destination that will make all your friends jealous where you can hit up a holistic wellness center, shop indie boutiques, and eat some foodie-approved eats all in one go, Palm Springs is the California destination for you. 

Stay Here: Korakia Pensione

Do This: 

• Embrace Palm Spring’s retro vibes with a meal at Sherman’s Deli or lounging by a retrofitted motel pool 
• Go on a hike at Palm Canyon
• Rent a convertible and go for an aesthetic drive 
• Visit the Desert X art exhibitions
• Find the perfect vintage souvenir at Glass from the Past
• Appreciate the quirky beauty of cacti and other desert plants at the Moorten Botanical Gardens

4. If you’re an amateur wine enthusiast, go to Napa Valley

Or maybe you’re a seasoned connoisseur. Either way, if you like wine, you’ll love Napa Valley. Popular for girls’ getaways and relaxing couples retreats, this really is a destination that has a little something for everyone. Get ready to fantasize about the romantic sweeping vineyards and luxury amenities for years to come. 

Stay Here: Auberge du Soleil

Do This: 

• Munch on something sweet from Model Bakery- the home of Oprah’s favourite English muffins
• Share a vineyard-side toast at Fantesca 
• Treat yourself to a spa day at 
• Go on a shopping spree at First Street Napa 
• Dine like a travel influencer at Coqueta 

5. 
   

   For a laid-back aquatic adventure, go to Laguna Beach

Have you been California dreaming about escaping to a surfer’s paradise? It’s all about embracing the oceanside hippie lifestyle in Laguna Beach. Truly, you will find a never-ending list of things to do on the sand or in the sea, but if you do decide to venture away from the beach, there are plenty of cool shops and good restaurants to try. 

Stay Here: The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Do This: 

• Visit the Instagram-famous seaside cement pool at Victoria Beach 
• Take a ride on the historic Laguna Beach Trolley
• Grab a bite at the open-air rooftop lounge with 360-degree views 
• Go tide pooling at Thousand Steps Beach
• Check out vintage surfboards at the Thalia Surf Shop 

6. If you like wandering off the beaten path, go to Mendocino

This Northern California stunner is less talked about (and less frequented) than its counterparts, and we have no idea why. It pretty much offers the best of all of California’s other destinations all wrapped up into one incredible little town; think oceanside cliffs, a buzzing wine region, quaint countryside estates, and rugged forest parks. If you’re looking for a hidden gem away from all the tourist traffic, Mendocino is the destination for you. 

Stay Here: Glendeven Inn and Lodge

Do This: 

• Take a rail bike at Fort Bragg through a redwood forest
• Take a breathtaking photo from the Mendocino overlook
• Hunt for sea glass and other treasures at Glass Beach
• Go Canoeing at Big River
• Book a wine tasting tour

7. If you love the glamour of old Hollywood, go to Los Angeles

Chances are, you grew up seeing the stars of Hollywood flash across your television screen. For many, visiting this cinematic powerhouse and celebrity haven is a lifelong dream. Whether you’re interested in film or not, you’ll certainly leave feeling like you’ve stepped into the shoes of the rich and famous. 

Stay Here: The Prospect, Hollywood

Do This: 

• Hike to the Hollywood sign
• Have some fun on the iconic Santa Monica Pier
• Catch a vintage flick at Orpheum Theater
• Take some selfies with your favorite celebrities’ star on the Walk of Fame
• Buy yourself some blooms at the Original LA Flower Market
• Blow some $$$ on Rodeo Drive

8. If you crave outdoor adventure, go to Yosemite

Not only is Yosemite the pinnacle of woodsy adventure in California, but it’s also considered a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts all over the USA. From massive trees and sprawling lakes to mountain ranges and meadows, Yosemite offers tourists a little bit of everything. 

Stay Here: Tenaya Lodge 

Do This: 

• Hike the Sentinal Meadow and Cook’s Meadow loop for jawdropping views of Yosemite Falls
• Stand at the foot of giant Sequoia trees
• Challenge yourself by trekking the Half Dome
• Explore wildflower-covered Wawona Meadows on horseback
• Bring a bathing suit and hop on in to one of the many lakes, rivers, and smaller waterfalls
• Observe Yosemite’s famous mountain fjord, Hetch Hetchy 

10 . If you dream of the desert, go to Joshua Tree

A visit to Joshua Tree feels like a glimpse into another universe. With rusty red sands, giant cacti, and a surprising art scene, this National Park is exactly the place to go for a first-timer’s introductory desert experience. 

Stay Here: Sacred Sands 

Do This: 

• Search for fields of Mojave poppies by Wilson Canyon or bluebells and lupines by the Cottonwood Visitor Center
• Take a short hike to the Arch Rock and feel miniature next to massive boulders
• Wander the Cholla Cactus Garden
• Strike a pose next to the infamous Heart Rock
• Admire some (admittedly) strange art at Noah Purifoy’s Desert Art Museum 
• Take a sound bath at the Integraton 

12. If you prefer a big city, go to San Francisco 

Completely different from the vibe of Los Angeles is the artsy, eclectic appeal of San Francisco. Here, you’ll be able to indulge your foodie alter-ego, stay up all night bouncing from one entertainment district to the next, and check out some next-level markets and museums during the day. 

Stay Here: Proper Hotel 

Do This: 

• Try to spot the Wild Parrots that live on Telegraph Hill
• Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, or view it from afar 
• Have high tea at The Rotunda 
• Post up with a picnic across from the television-famous “Painted Ladies”
• Take a bone-chilling tour of Alcatraz