What to do in California: the must-see attractions of the Golden State

California is home to some of the most iconic cities in the United States, each with its own character, its neighborhoods to explore and its distinctive atmosphere. Before venturing into the great outdoors, the Californian urban centers are essential stops to grasp the energy of this state.

Los Angeles is a city in its own right in the collective imagination. The City of Angels concentrates the essence of what makes the legend of the West Coast: Hollywood and its Walk of Fame where the stars of the biggest celebrities are embedded in the pavement, Universal Studios and its cinema-themed park, and the Griffith Observatory which offers a panoramic view of the skyline. To make a complete California experience, you should also head down to Venice Beach, a true open-air stage where surfers, street artists and outdoor enthusiasts coexist in a unique atmosphere. Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the shoreline offers a rare moment of beauty, hard to forget.

A few hours north, San Francisco captivates with its unmistakably unique atmosphere. The Golden Gate Bridge is, of course, the city's most iconic image, but the bay city has many other pleasures to offer. A stroll along Fisherman's Wharf invites you to taste freshly caught seafood while watching the sea lions basking on the piers. From there, a ferry crossing to Alcatraz Island plunges you into a history that is both dark and captivating. The cable cars climb the hills, revealing viewpoints at every stop, while the Victorian facades of the Painted Ladies remind that San Francisco has managed to preserve its period charm despite the decades. For a California trip that blends history, architecture and neighborhood life, the city is a must-see.

South of Los Angeles, San Diego charms with its relaxed atmosphere, its immaculate beaches, and the La Jolla neighborhood, where seals and sea lions bask in the sun. The proximity to Mexico lends the local gastronomy generous flavors, to be savored in the numerous seaside restaurants. Further north, Santa Barbara — nicknamed the American Riviera — deserves a longer stop for its whitewashed buildings recalling Spanish colonial architecture, its backcountry vineyards, and its peaceful beaches. These two destinations, often overshadowed by Los Angeles or San Francisco, offer nonetheless some of the sweetest moments one can experience in California.

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La richesse de la Californie ne se limite pas à ses villes. L'État abrite certains des paysages naturels les plus spectaculaires de tout l'ouest américain, entre parcs nationaux classés au patrimoine mondial, déserts d'une beauté brute et côtes sauvages sur l'océan Pacifique. Pour les amateurs de plein air, chaque excursion est une invitation à l'émerveillement.

Yosemite National Park is perhaps the most iconic of all California national parks. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it unfolds its vertigo-inducing granite cliffs, its groves of giant sequoias and its spectacular waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada. The hikes there are accessible to all levels, from family strolls to long itineraries for experienced hikers.

At the other end of the natural spectrum, Death Valley fascinates with its contrasts: golden sand dunes, vast arid expanses, multi-colored rock formations, and extreme temperatures compose a landscape that seems to come from another world. Photography enthusiasts and geology buffs will find it an extraordinary playground for exploration. Joshua Tree National Park, for its part, surprises with desert landscapes dotted with twisted trees and wind-sculpted rocks. Its starry nights, far from any light pollution, rank among the most beautiful in the entire state. Nearby, Palm Springs extends the adventure in a glamorous setting, between 1950s modernist architecture, renowned spas and a cable car above the desert.

To connect major cities with natural spaces, nothing beats a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. This road runs along the Pacific Ocean for hundreds of kilometers and reveals, bend after bend, panoramas of breathtaking beauty. The Big Sur section is the highlight: vertiginous cliffs plunge into the waves, waterfalls tumble directly onto sandy beaches, and the giant sequoia forests line the road. Stops in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea let you pace the journey at a pleasant pace. This road trip is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire American West — an experience to indulge in, whatever your wishes.

Book your California road trip now

Before you go, choosing the time of year is a key step to fully enjoy all the facets that this trip to California can offer. The climate varies by region, and some seasons are better suited to certain types of experiences.

Here's an overview of the best periods by region and activity:

Spring and autumn remain ideal seasons for a balanced California stay: temperatures are pleasant across the state, national parks are accessible without the intense summer heat, and the major cities can be visited with greater serenity. If your itinerary includes Yosemite or Joshua Tree, consider booking your accommodations well in advance, as spaces are limited, especially in spring. To compose a fully tailor-made stay, adapted to your dates, pace and desires, Vialala will assist you at every step of the planning.

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