Top 29 Bucket List Destinations in California

California has a wide variety of different climates and ecosystems, making it a fascinating state to visit. There are so many different things to see in the state that a California bucket list can be helpful in keeping track of it all.

By creating a California bucket list, you can note things you want to do, cross off things you’ve done, and stay organized on your trip. 

Bucket List Vacations: California’s National Parks

First, let’s talk about California’s national parks. This large state is home to a total of 28 NPS sites. Of these, 8 are full-fledged national parks. They’re in different regions of the state and each park showcases a unique part of California’s history and natural beauty.

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park includes five islands off the coast of Santa Barbara that are home to a number of unique animals and plants. There are concessionaires that offer boat rides to the islands, or guests can take private boats. The islands also offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is a wonderful park to visit during three of the four seasons. You’ll want to avoid the extreme summer heat – regular temperatures above 100°F mean you can’t do much outside during the day. But winter at Death Valley is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures at sea level and possibly even snow at higher elevations. Spring brings beautiful California desert wildflower blooms, making that an enjoyable time to visit as well.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is the meeting spot of two distinct desert ecosystems. A large variety of desert plants and animals call this park home, including the Joshua tree it’s named for. It’s also a “dark sky” park, making it the ideal place to check out the stars. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park has lots of geothermal features including fumaroles and bubbling mud pots … but it’s also home to lots of mountain beauty. Hike past wildflower-strewn meadows and sparkling lakes, or climb the 10,457-foot tall Mt. Lassen.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is an unusual landscape created by lava flow millions of years ago. Hiking trails take adventurers through bat caves, to the tops of tall spires, and through oak woodlands. 

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park showcases the redwood forests that are one of California’s crowning glories. Here, the tallest trees in the world tower high above the visitors, reminding us all just how magnificent and powerful nature can be. 

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are sister parks that share a boundary. The parks boast some of the world’s largest trees. In fact, the General Sherman Tree at Sequoia is the largest tree in the world by volume.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is probably the most well-known of the California national parks, with iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Stay in the Yosemite Valley to see these well-known spots, or head to the backcountry if you’re looking for a more secluded experience.

Take a Boat to Alcatraz Island

Most people have heard of the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island. Take a boat ride to the island, where you can get a tour of the prison and learn about the history surrounding The Rock and about some of its notorious prisoners.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge

While in San Francisco, you’ll also want to be sure to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or bike across if you want an outdoor experience, or you can drive. There are pull-offs on both sides of the bridge so you can stop and take pictures with its red spires in the background.

Ride a Trolley

Experience a true San Francisco treat with a ride on one of the city’s trolleys. The vehicles began running in San Francisco in 1892, and you can still hop on board one today. You can learn even more about this unique mode of transportation at the Cable Car Museum in Nob Hill.

Go Surfing in Surf City

Depending on whether you talk to Northern Californians or Southern Californians, you might get some disagreement over whether Huntington Beach or Santa Cruz is the “real” Surf City. Both cities have long histories with the sport and excellent spots to surf today. If you’ve never tried surfing, both areas also have plenty of surf instructors who offer lessons.

Pay a Visit to Slab City

One of the oddest cities in the US, Slab City is an unincorporated, off-the-grid community of squatters who live in trailers and operate by their own set of rules. 

Slab City is also home to Salvation Mountain, an unusual and fascinating piece of art featuring Biblical scriptures, flowers, and a large red heart.

See the Happiest Place on Earth

A visit to Disneyland is probably high on your list if you have kids. But fully grown adults can also enjoy a few days of Disney magic on rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and the thrilling Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Spend Some Time at Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a great choice for some time in the mountains in Southern California. If you visit in winter, you can ski at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain. If you’re there in the summer months, you can enjoy hiking and camping with some gorgeous views. 

Find Thrills at the Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier features boardwalk rides, food, and fun for everyone. You can also visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium under the pier, or take an electric scooter ride along the paved path by the beach.

Vacation in Venice Beach

Venice Beach is just a short hop from Santa Monica, and is a fun and funky place to check out. You can walk or kayak the canals, and the area has tons of great restaurants, cute coffee shops, and funky stores.

Find Your Way to the Hollywood Sign

It’s possible to hike to the Hollywood sign for a close-up look at this iconic landmark. You also get some amazing views of the city, and you can take a picture from the backside of the sign – not a side most people get to see!

Hike the Dunes at Mojave Trails National Monument

The dunes at Mojave Trails National Monument offer great hiking as well. The sand dunes are beautiful, and while hiking in sand is tiring, the views from the tops of the dunes are lovely. 

Take a Big Sur Road Trip

Located in the rugged, mountainous part of the central coast of California, Big Sur is an area that offers a huge amount of natural beauty. You could spend an entire road trip seeing the coastline, waterfalls, mountains, and animals of the area. If you want to spend even more time on the coast, you can travel even more of the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs from Northern to Southern California.

Try Paddleboarding at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a shockingly blue, clear lake … and North America’s largest alpine lake. You can paddleboard, kayak, waterski, hike, fish, and try a variety of outdoor activities during the summer. In winter, you can ski or snowboard at one of the 15 resorts, or try other cold-weather activities like snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Taste New Wines in Wine Country

California’s wine country is a huge draw for wine enthusiasts. Both Napa and Sonoma boast an enormous number of wineries, making them great places to try new wines and learn exactly how they’re made. 

Check Out the Point Reyes Lighthouse 

Point Reyes National Seashore is another NPS site that is an interesting look at California’s maritime history. You can go inside the lighthouse on certain days, and be sure to check out the visitor center as well.

Make Your Way through the Cypress Tree Tunnel

While you’re at Point Reyes National Seashore, also be sure to check out the Cypress Tree Tunnel. As the name suggests, this is a tunnel created by cypress trees, and it’s a whole lot of fun to drive through. 

Snap Photos at the Glass Beach

The Glass Beach at Fort Bragg isn’t your typical sandy beach. It was created when tons of glass were dumped in the area years ago. The ocean tossed and turned the glass, creating smooth, rounded pieces that now cover the beach, shining in the sun and creating a lovely sight. 

Go Whale Watching in Monterey Bay

Whales are some of the most incredible creatures on this planet. Visit Monterey Bay between April and November in order to see the annual whale migration. While you’re in town, check out the award-winning Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn more about sea life in the area.

Enjoy a Beer or Two in San Diego

San Diego is an excellent place to go for craft beer in California. Visit some of the local breweries in the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll find great restaurants and shops as well.

Explore the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

San Diego is also known for its incredible zoo. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park is one of the top zoos in the country. It features a wide variety of animals and great educational programs. Definitely reserve an entire day to explore this zoo and safari park.

Glimpse Sea Lions in the Wild

In addition to whales, you can also find sea lions in their natural environment in California. One of the best places to see these wonderful creatures is La Jolla Cove. Enjoy a beach day and stop to watch the sea lions as they bark, swim, and flop their goofy bodies onto shore.

California is a wonderful and fascinating state. It offers tons to see and do, and a road trip by RV is the very best way to ensure you see as many of the things on your California bucket list as possible. Why not start planning your visit today by checking out the many RVs for rent in the Golden State?

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