17 Best Places to Visit in CALIFORNIA in March 2023

places to visit in california

California is one of the most beautiful states in the country. California has something for everyone with a diverse landscape, from desert cities to snowcapped mountains. There are so many places in California that it can be difficult to choose where you want to visit and which ones you don’t want to miss.

With so many beautiful places to see in California, it can be not easy to narrow down which ones you want to visit.

Check out: Best places to visit in the U.S. in December

If you can’t decide where you want to visit, you need a list of the best places to visit in California. All of these locations are beautiful and have something for everyone.

Best Places To Visit in California

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the symbols of San Francisco. When the Golden Gate was completed in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge globally. The bridge stretches out over 1.7 miles long and has a height of about 350 feet from the water to the top of the cable. The bridge is so iconic that it has been featured in many movies and television shows, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, released in 1958.

One of the most popular places to see it is Alcatraz Island, which is accessed by a ferry that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is one of the best places to visit because it offers a unique view of the bridge, almost surreal.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in America. It is one of the most visited monuments in California and among the top ten largest private homes in America. It was originally owned by William Randolph Hearst, who gave 24 different tours to visitors through his castle.

The castle was built by William Randolph Hearst’s parents, who wanted to live in extravagant style. The Hearst family also owned a few other castles and palaces before they began construction on this one but died before they could see it completed.

Pacific Coast Highway

If you love to absorb the natural beauty of nature, then a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway should be on your list of places to visit in California in Sept. 2022.

The coast is always beautiful no matter the time of the year, and there are so many different things to see along this road, from lush mountains and redwood forests to seascapes and rolling waves. You can either choose to take a coastal route or cross through various towns along the way, such as San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara.

Redwood National Park

One of the most beautiful fall foliage displays in California can be found at Redwood National Park/Forest in Northern California, one of the most beautiful natural areas in California.

In October, the area is transformed into a painting of red, orange and yellow leaves among the giant redwood trees.

Also, by October, most of the large and busy crowds of summer have returned home.

However, there is still enough daylight to hike and visit the park centers and cafes.

For short-day visits, you can go to the “Avenue of the Giants” to see the tallest redwood trees as well as gift stores and restaurants.

For longer trips, however, spend your vacation in Klamath. Explore some of the many popular activities in Redwood National Park, such as hiking in Fern Canyon and on the Redwood Creek Trail.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the most breathtaking places in California.

It is one of the most popular places in America and has been called the largest alpine lake in North America by National Geographic.

The lake is a five-hour drive from San Francisco and serves as a gateway to the Sierra Nevada range. It also provides a great place for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and snow sports. The clear blue water makes it perfect for swimming during warmer months, making September 2022 one of the best months to visit.

San Diego

San Diego, California
San Diego, California

Located on the border of Mexico, San Diego has a rich history. It began as a small fishing village but has since evolved into one of the most popular places to visit in California. Known best for its beaches, San Diego, is among the top ten most visited cities in the country.

There is something for everyone here with over two dozen beaches, including family-friendly beaches and more racy ones where nudity is tolerated. Several amusement parks and water parks such as SeaWorld and Legoland make this place perfect for families with kids.

Palm Springs

palm springs april

Palm Springs is a resort area located in the Coachella Valley, part of the Sonoran Desert ecoregion. One created this area to be an escape from the urban areas nearby.

There is also an abundance of outdoor activities that provide great experiences, such as skiing and golfing. This place has a lot to offer with literally hundreds of cultural attractions, including Tempo Village, Palm Canyon Golf Club and Museum, and The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens.

Joshua Tree National Park

joshua tree national park in april

The Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most beautiful places in California. Many people have visited this place during the summer months because the temperatures are always perfect here and even more so.

The desert environment provides a unique experience for those who want to see natural beauty and wildlife, making this area perfect for nature lovers who want to see flowers bloom and animals come out at night.

San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is one of the most popular places to visit in California in 2022 because it offers a variety of animals from different parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and South America.

The zoo is full of different settings that allow guests to experience these animals in their natural habitat. There are also numerous educational programs available for children and adults. The San Francisco Zoo is located near Golden Gate Park, making it easily accessible to visitors in San Francisco.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Anza Borrego Desert State Park California

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is a state park located in the southern region of California. This state park features desert landscapes and exotic animals from all over the world. There are also a wide variety of recreational activities available to visitors that include hiking, camping, biking, and horseback riding, among other things.

With so many different options for visitors, this place is especially ideal for those who want to get away from urban areas and enjoy the beauty of nature. It also contains some of the most iconic views of downtown San Diego.

Yosemite National Park

yosemite national park

The Yosemite National Park contains some of the most stunning views on Earth due to its pristine nature and a large collection of trees and streams.

The park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most beautiful areas to receive protection from future development.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places in America. It is known for being extremely dry and having the lowest average temperature of any national park in the lower 48 states, which makes it perfect for those who want to witness rare weather phenomena.

The park contains views like Devils Golf Course, where visitors can see a large chunk of rock resembling a bat while walking on the rocky surface. This place is also home to several unique plants, including Amorita Desert Wildflowers and Death Valley poppies.

Bakersfield

downtown Bakersfield park

Bakersfield is an agricultural town in Kern County, California, with over 350,000 people. It is home to several different theaters and art galleries, including the Bakersfield Museum of Art, which showcases local art and artists. The Kern County Museum, which houses a collection of Indian artifacts, is located here.

Sequoia national parks

General Sherman Tree
General Sherman – The largest Sequoia

Sequoia National Park is located about four hours northeast of Los Angeles in central California at the base of the Sierra Nevadas. Bear in mind that the road only accesses a small portion of the park, so you’ll have to take a hike to truly appreciate it!

Sequoia National Park offers breathtaking beauty, a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, and the chance to wander among the largest trees in the world, the giant sequoias.

Although the redwoods are taller, the giant sequoias win in terms of sheer mass. The statistics of General Sherman, for example, are impressive: it stands 275 feet tall with a trunk that measures more than 36 feet in circumference at the base! It is thought to be about 2,200 years old.

You can stroll around the observation area and get a close look at its massive presence.

The Giant Forest Museum, located in the historic Giant Forest Market building, is well worth a visit. The museum is in fact a great place to start your journey into the Giant Forest.

Hollywood 

Hollywood is frequently associated with glamor, wealth, and the entertainment industry.

Around the neighborhood, you can find movie studios, Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, must-see museums, world-famous amusement parks, vineyards, breweries, outdoor activities, vibrant nightlife, and much more.

There are many other reasons to travel to Hollywood. Make time on your agenda and bring sunscreen, because LA boasts some of the best beaches in the world, especially for surfers. Hollywood also has a thriving food culture with cuisines from around the world.

Along Hollywood Boulevard you’ll see stars dedicated to some of the most famous personalities from film, television, radio and other media.

Do not miss the chance to pose with your favorite celebrity!

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood

This amusement park and movie studio is one of California’s most popular attractions, and it’s ideal for families with older kids and teenagers.

Rides and settings are inspired on well-known films, and include everything from terrifyingly realistic simulator rides to roller coasters and more.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Fast and Furious – Supercharged, Jurassic World, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Walking Dead Attraction are among the park’s most popular attractions.

Dining, performances, shopping, and a variety of events are also all available throughout the year.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a recreation and tourism-oriented town with over 65 restaurants and more than 30 hotels, motels, inns and RV parks. Visitors enjoy a variety of activities, including biking and bowling.

Pismo State Beach also stretches for miles along the coast south of the city and offers a variety of ocean activities. Surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and the usual beach attractions are available here, as well as clam digging, freshwater fishing, and dune exploring.

It never seems crowded, but it does get very crowded in the summer. Therefore, it is one of the places in this guide where you should plan your summer vacation early or you will end up disappointed that everything is booked up.