Discover all of California!

If the thought of California only brings to mind images of movie stars gliding down the red carpet, the Golden Gate Bridge and people rollerblading along the beachfront, then it’s time to think again! The most populous state in the entire United States of America, California offers every climate, landscape and activity imaginable to visitors.

California’s significant size (it’d take about 15 hours to drive from top to bottom of the state, about the same distance as travelling by car from Brisbane to Canberra) lends itself to the diversity of regions contained within it. From the dense forests of the North Coast, to the ski resorts and national parks of the High Sierra, the urban metropolis of Los Angeles, the barren deserts of Palm Springs and the beautiful beaches of San Diego in the south of the state – California really does have it all.  

We’ve compiled a list of California’s hottest attractions, from the absolute must-sees, to a few which fly a little further under the radar. For more attractions, maps and tourist information on everything the different regions of California have to offer, check out the California Travel and Tourism website.

Orange County - Disneyland

A visit to the ‘happiest place on earth’ is an absolute must-do for all visitors to California, especially for the young or the young at heart! First built in 1955, the iconic theme park has hundreds of rides and attractions to entertain visitors of all ages. You’ll find the original Disneyland at Anaheim, Orange County, just south of Los Angeles.

1600 S Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802-2317
www.disneyland.com

Bay Area – Fisherman's Wharf

Long regarding as the tourist base camp for San Francisco, the appeal of Fisherman’s Wharf has only grown with years. You’ll find numerous attractions such as aquariums, restaurants, street performers, museums and the ubiquitous sea lions which inhabit the area. Alcatraz, Coit Tower and the cable cars are all based here too.

#2 Al Scoma Way At Pier 47
San Francisco, CA 94133
www.fishermanswharf.org

Central Coast - Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle really has to be seen to be believed. The estate, which took 28 years to be completed, was the product of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst’s dream. The absolute epitome of luxury, the estate (which contains four residences) is made up of over 165 rooms! Situated in San Simeon, in California’s Central Coast region, at Hearst Castle you can also see priceless works of art, ornate architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds.

750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA 93452-9740
www.hearstcastle.org/

Central Valley - Sacramento River Delta

If you’re a lover of water sports or simply relaxing on the banks of a river, don’t miss the natural beauty of the Sacramento River Delta waterways system. With over 1,000 miles of navigable waterways, on the Delta you can cruise in a houseboat, water ski or simply relax. Head to Lodi in California’s Central Valley to experience the Delta for yourself.

14900 W Highway 12 Unit C2
Lodi, CA 95242-9516
www.californiadelta.org

Desert - Palm Springs Aerial Tram

Take in Palm Springs from a new perspective. Located in the Desert region of California, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram will deliver breathtaking views over the area during the 12-minute, 6,000 feet ascent. You’ll cross five climatic zones, so be prepared for much cooler temperatures than at ground level once you’ve reached the top! The active can enjoy the hiking trails, or for a more leisurely experience, take in the landscape from the comforts of the restaurant or cocktail bar.

1 Tramway Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262-1827
www.pstramway.com

Gold Country - State Capitol Building

See where all of California’s big decisions are made. Currently presided over by California’s Governor (and film actor) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sacramento’s historic state Capitol Building dates back to 1909. The State Capitol building also houses several museums (including the newly added Hall of Fame), and offers free guided tours of the Senate Gallery and Assembly Room.

10th St. and Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

High Sierra – Yosemite National Park

The outstanding natural beauty of Yosemite National Park should not be missed on a visit to the High Sierra region of California. The breathtaking, sheer cliff faces give way to lush greenery and serene waters in the valleys of Yosemite, making the expansive National Park a haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

PO Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389-0577
www.nps.gov/yose

Inland Empire - Route 66 Museum

This iconic stretch of road has been the inspiration for many road trips, films and books alike. With only parts of the original highway still remaining, the Route 66 Museum houses exhibits from contemporary art to archival research pieces within its walls. You’ll find the Route 66 Museum in Victorville, within California’s Inland Empire region.

16825 S D St
Victorville, CA 92395-3207

Los Angeles – Griffith Observatory

What more can be said about Los Angeles besides celebrity, celebrity, celebrity? Actually, there is so much more to ‘La La Land’ than the rich and famous and their exploits. In between the obligatory visits to Mann’s Chinese Theater and Sunset Boulevard be sure to check out the newly re-opened Griffith Observatory. Situated high above Los Angeles, the Observatory has just completed a five-year redevelopment which now holds the largest astronomical image ever created.

2800 E. Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1255
www.griffithobservatory.org

 
North Coast – Redwood Forest

If you love to be humbled by nature, be sure to explore the Redwood Forests of California’s North Coast. Feel dwarfed by the massive trees which make up the dense forest, and enjoy the many walking trails which traverse the region. The Redwood Forests also border another of nature’s most beautiful elements – the Pacific Ocean.

1375 Elk Valley Rd
Crescent City, CA 95531-4406
www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ID=413

San Diego – San Diego Zoo

An absolute definite for animal lovers, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest in the world, and currently home to one of the rarest animals in the world – the Giant Panda. Visitors can also observe amazing animals from tigers and giraffes to alligators and polar bears.

2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101-1693
www.sandiegozoo.org

Shasta Cascade – Shasta Sunset Dinner Train

The perfect way to combine taking in the spectacular sights of Northern California’s Shasta Cascade area, fine dining and a little dash of history. Relax during a three hour journey in a resorted vintage rail carriage as it winds around the base of Mt Shasta.

328 Main Street
McCloud, CA 96057
www.shastasunset.com

*Thank you to the California Travel and Tourism website for providing all information.